COST OF DRUG ABUSE

The April 23 Commentary page contained two articles by different authors on
seemingly unrelated topics. They were united, however, in that they both
addressed the problem of substance abuse.

In her "Focus on what works," Cheryl Presley offered a reasoned analysis of
problems on college campuses due to excessive drinking. She defined the
problem and offered informed remedies while acknowledging the need to "step
forward in changing the culture of drinking in colleges and universities."

In his column, Clarence Page discussed marijuana usage and policies. He
called for an open debate on marijuana in order to legalize its use.

While Presley called for a change in a culture of abuse, Page decried the
enforcement of the law in addressing marijuana abuse.

Enforcement of drug laws is a necessary component along with treatment and
prevention initiatives in order to make positive changes in an environment
of substance abuse.

In St. Louis, we witness daily the ravages that the drug culture has
wrought on the region. St. Louis city ranks among the nation's leaders in
per capita homicide rate, a rate overwhelmingly a result of drug-related
violent crime.

Nightly there is a fusillade of bullets fired by cold-blooded drug
entrepreneurs seeking to expand their share in the lucrative narcotics
marketplace.

Presley warned that there is much at stake, including student lives, as a
result of binge drinking. Page, however, lamented a "national hypocrisy"
regarding marijuana prohibition.

When Page facetiously attacks the nation's leaders in his summation, by
stating, "I wonder what they've been smoking," he unwittingly reveals and
acknowledges the detrimental effects of marijuana.

Joseph J. Corcoran

Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration

St. Louis