POSITIVE STANCE ON REHAB

Thank you for making the case for substance abuse treatment in your
April 3 editorial, "Score big against addiction." The
tough-on-some-drugs approach is part of the problem. Illegal drug
users are reluctant to seek medical attention in the event of an
overdose for fear of being charged with a crime.

Attempting to save the life of a friend could result in a murder
charge. Overzealous drug enforcement results in easily preventable
deaths. Rehabilitation also is confounded. I think it's safe to say
that turnout at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings would be rather low if
alcoholism were a crime pursued with zero tolerance zeal.

Eliminating the penalties associated with illicit drug abuse would
encourage the type of honest discussion necessary to facilitate
rehabilitation and save lives. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, DC