STRATEGIES IN WAR ON DRUG ABUSE

The Blade has reported on at least three occasions that major quantities of
marijuana, cocaine, and heroin were seized by our local law enforcement
officials. This is a strong indication of the prevalence of illegal drug
activity in our area. I believe our law enforcement officials deserve to be
applauded for their hard work to decrease the supply of illegal drugs in
our area. The sad reality of the prevalence of drug use, abuse, possession,
and addiction is all around us.

It is a known fact that many drug users turn to possessing and selling
drugs to maintain their addiction. While supply-side strategies to decrease
the availability of drugs is a good strategy, we also need to have a
balanced demand-side strategy. If the individuals arrested during these
three occasions are convicted and incarcerated, eventually they will need
some form of drug treatment to decrease their likelihood of returning to
illegal activities.

If treatment services are not available, they will most likely return to
such activities, which costs taxpayers additional money for jail/prison
days, legal costs, etc. The cost for a treatment episode is far less than
the cost for a year in jail or prison.

It is time for us, as Lucas County citizens, to support the demand-side
strategies by voting "yes" for Issue 3. This will allow Lucas County
providers to provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services as
demand-side strategies. The use, abuse, and addiction to drugs is a
community problem that requires community support.

CARROLL PARKS

President/CEO ,Substance Abuse Services, Inc., Adams Street