New drug control strategy: more resources into drug prevention and treatment

[impik]

WASHINGTON — The White House is putting more resources into drug prevention and treatment, part of President Barack Obama's pledge to treat illegal drug use more as a public health issue than a criminal justice problem.

The new drug control strategy to be released Tuesday boosts community-based anti-drug programs, encourages health care providers to screen for drug problems before addiction sets in and expands treatment beyond specialty centers to mainstream health care facilities.

"It changes the whole discussion about ending the war on drugs and recognizes that we have a responsibility to reduce our own drug use in this country," Gil Kerlikowske, the White House drug czar, said in an interview.

The plan — the first drug plan unveiled by the Obama White House — calls for reducing the rate of youth drug use by 15 percent over the next five years and for similar reductions in chronic drug use, drug abuse deaths and drugged driving.

The drug control office's budget request does include a 13 percent increase in spending on alcohol and drug prevention programs, along with a 3.7 percent increase for addiction treatment.



http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5giCZp-qLVI65utd3SaaCyhkiEE1AD9FKBKIG0

[Jennicut]

1. Treatment is way better then criminalization.

Politically, we are still split as a country on even legalizing marijuana. That is surprising but remember, older people tend to be more against drug use even if they did it themselves once. And that means even less of chance of cocaine, crack, heroin, etc. ever being legalized. And then there are drugs that are legal and that kids get their hands on...prescription drugs.
The most important thing is reduced sentences or ones that involve treatment with community service. Jail does nothing to stop heavy drug use. Just takes up more room in our jails.

[Kdillard]

2. Good I hope the goals set forth can be reached.

[Webster Green]

3. I hope they cannot.

Did you read the article? Same old phony drug war bullshit.