Pubdate: Mon, 19 Mar 2001
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  GPO Box 3771, Sydney NSW 2001
Fax: 61-(0)2-9282 3492
Website: http://www.smh.com.au/
Forum: http://forums.fairfax.com.au/
Author: I. D. Simons
Note: Headline supplied by newshawk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/gardner.htm (Losing the War on Drugs)

WAR AGAINST DRUGS LOST

"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what 
you've always got." The evidence is in. The war against drugs has been 
lost, not only in Australia but in the US.

Even Asian countries with draconian penalties for both possession and 
trafficking cannot say they have won.

If you agree with the above, then it follows something different is needed 
to minimise the human suffering and economic waste created by the drug trade.

A new paradigm is needed which encompasses all substance abuse (especially 
including alcohol) and is underpinned by the considerable research findings 
on the behavioural and emotional variables leading to "at risk" activities. 
When this new approach is developed into a convincing program, the 
possibility for significant action will be created.

A vocal community and media interest will give us the courage to fight a 
war we can win.

I.D. Simons, North Ryde, March 14.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager