STATE DRUG REPORT URGES TREATMENT

HELENA - Montana needs more drug treatment, not a "War on Drugs," to stem
what has been called an epidemic of addiction, says the final report of a
group formed last year to find solutions to the state's growing drug and
alcohol problem.

"We don't feel the war analogy is necessarily appropriate," said Sen. Duane
Grimes, R-Clancy, who headed the group. "We don't have enough resources or
manpower to do it. Law enforcement support alone will never solve the problem."

The group, which has been meeting for eight months, gave its final report
Wednesday to Gov. Judy Martz and Attorney General Mike McGrath. The two
officials jointly formed the group last year to study drug and alcohol use
and try to find some way of dealing with the problem. Among their
recommendations: The state needs to establish a department-level drug czar
to oversee funding and policy on alcohol and drugs. The state needs to pay
for two drug and alcohol treatment facilities. The state should also
stiffen underage drinking laws and change the legal definition of drunk.

While both Martz and McGrath said they were pleased - with McGrath adding
he was somewhat surprised - by the group's recommendations, both said it
will be difficult to get money out of the Legislature this session for drug
treatment, given that the state is looking at a $250 million budget
shortfall. "It's going to be very difficult," McGrath said. "But it costs
$20,000 to keep someone in prison for a year. That's a pretty expensive
alternative."

Martz, who said the state may encounter tough financial times for another
two years, said she's looking to the federal government for help.

Grimes acknowledged that a "drug war" is easier to sell to the public that
treatment and prevention, but pointed out that the iron-fist approach to
drugs and alcohol not only doesn't really stop the problem, but is also
much more expensive.

"We have to spend money on treatment so we don't have to build any more
Shelby's," he said, referring to the state's new privately-run prison on
the Hi-Line. The report showed that every dollar spent on treatment and
prevention saves seven dollars down the road on "societal costs."

Several teenagers who are former addicts also spoke at the event. They
agreed that jail was a bad place to get sober and remain that way.

"Jail is the worst place," said Vinny Lausch, a 16-year-old from Missoula
undergoing treatment for marijuana use.

Grimes said he thought "forced treatment," while somewhat controversial,
actually does work and should be state practice. As for paying for the
plan, the report suggested addicts themselves pick up some of the tab.