News (Media Awareness Project) - US OK: LTE: Drug, Alcohol Abuse Task Force A Good Idea |
| Title: | US OK: LTE: Drug, Alcohol Abuse Task Force A Good Idea |
| Published On: | 2001-10-31 |
| Source: | Edmond Sun, The (OK) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-25 05:49:24 |
DRUG, ALCOHOL ABUSE TASK FORCE A GOOD IDEA
I was fortunate to attend the panel discussion on drug abuse at Edmond City Hall on Oct. 22. The forum, sponsored by The Edmond Sun, which has also run a series of articles on the topic, included experts from a variety of fields including psychology, law enforcement, school administration, the juvenile justice system and drug counseling. ("A Stranger in the House," Oct. 14-21) Although a myriad of opinions were expressed on this topic, there were some significant points of agreement from panel members.
Many emphasized the need for more treatment facilities. Another point of agreement was the need for parental involvement and influence in the lives of our young people.
Finally, all of the panelists agreed that law enforcement should focus on treatment rather than incarceration for young offenders.
The opinions of the audience on this topic wandered down several paths.
One participant blamed the availability of tobacco products, especially cigarettes, for much of the current drug problems among young people.
Others in attendance argued for an outright legalization of certain drugs.
And one public official in attendance recommended something called "coerced participation" in drug treatment programs.
As it turns out, this is merely another term for mandatory sentencing, which is already the status quo approach to this issue.
After listening to the various opinions and solutions offered to by the panelists and participants, I agree with the recommendation of The Edmond Sun that a task force should be created to study and address this issue.
The task force should address any gaps in available programs, establish a continuum of treatment and education from early junior high throughout life. If the task force concludes that more treatment facilities are needed, then it should also identify funding sources for those facilities. The task force should also develop a program of cooperation between agencies and services that will build a synergy of efforts.
I want to thank The Edmond Sun for focusing the attention of our community on this important topic. I highly encourage anyone interested in this issue to contact The Sun and attend the first organizational meeting next month.
Stan Inman
EDITOR'S NOTE: The public is invited to the first organizational meeting of a group devoted to finding solutions to teen drug and alcohol abuse. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Downtown Community Center, Room 213.
I was fortunate to attend the panel discussion on drug abuse at Edmond City Hall on Oct. 22. The forum, sponsored by The Edmond Sun, which has also run a series of articles on the topic, included experts from a variety of fields including psychology, law enforcement, school administration, the juvenile justice system and drug counseling. ("A Stranger in the House," Oct. 14-21) Although a myriad of opinions were expressed on this topic, there were some significant points of agreement from panel members.
Many emphasized the need for more treatment facilities. Another point of agreement was the need for parental involvement and influence in the lives of our young people.
Finally, all of the panelists agreed that law enforcement should focus on treatment rather than incarceration for young offenders.
The opinions of the audience on this topic wandered down several paths.
One participant blamed the availability of tobacco products, especially cigarettes, for much of the current drug problems among young people.
Others in attendance argued for an outright legalization of certain drugs.
And one public official in attendance recommended something called "coerced participation" in drug treatment programs.
As it turns out, this is merely another term for mandatory sentencing, which is already the status quo approach to this issue.
After listening to the various opinions and solutions offered to by the panelists and participants, I agree with the recommendation of The Edmond Sun that a task force should be created to study and address this issue.
The task force should address any gaps in available programs, establish a continuum of treatment and education from early junior high throughout life. If the task force concludes that more treatment facilities are needed, then it should also identify funding sources for those facilities. The task force should also develop a program of cooperation between agencies and services that will build a synergy of efforts.
I want to thank The Edmond Sun for focusing the attention of our community on this important topic. I highly encourage anyone interested in this issue to contact The Sun and attend the first organizational meeting next month.
Stan Inman
EDITOR'S NOTE: The public is invited to the first organizational meeting of a group devoted to finding solutions to teen drug and alcohol abuse. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Downtown Community Center, Room 213.
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