COORDINATION NEEDED TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE

The June 12 Star-Bulletin article on the 2001 ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse
Monitoring program) report on the dramatic use-levels of "ice" (crystal
methamphetamine) by arrested males in Honolulu begs the question of why
Hawaii has such a high rate of use and what can be done to address it.
Accessibility of drugs, biological and environmental factors all contribute
to a person's drug use and whether or not he/she will become addicted. What
also needs to be factored in is the initial decision for the drug user to
"use or not use."

The field of prevention is relatively new. Single-strategy efforts of the
'80s, such as "Just Say No", have few proven results 10-15 years later.
Current research shows that programs that develop a range of social and
personal skills in the school, family and community are significantly
lowering rates of drug use in participants. These kinds of programs need to
be further tested with Hawaii's communities and local programs that
incorporate cultural values and practices.

President Bush's FY2003 recommended budget calls for a drastic $45 million
reduction for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the federal
government's preeminent prevention agency.

The Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii feels the reduction is unwarranted and
will cut short its newly instituted Ho'omau (Strengthening Hawaii Families)
program, which serves five elementary schools and more than 200 youths and
families on Oahu. We can only hope to solve the ice problem in Hawaii with
coordinated strategies that include prevention programs supported by
adequate resources and given time to prove their effectiveness.

Alan Shinn, Executive director, Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii