Editorial: Taking hard look at drug treatment

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998 | 9:33 a.m.

Vince Juaristi, director of the Nevada Institute for Children, which conducted the study, told a legislative panel last week that more state funds are needed to provide long-term residential treatment. According to the research group, of 78,000 adolescents in Clark County, 12 percent were in need of residential treatment. Despite this, only 10 beds at residential treatment centers were available.

"We have told kids for so long not to do drugs and help is available. But it isn't. It's like calling 9-1-1 and being put on hold," Juaristi said. Children recognize the severity of the problem. For the fourth year in a row, according to an annual survey released this month by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, teenagers said drugs were the most important problem they face.

In addition, the link between illegal drug use and crime has been well documented, adding one more reason why treatment is necessary. A recent Family Youth Services survey found that 28 percent of youth offenders were on drugs or alcohol when the crime was committed.

Juaristi said the Legislature approved $850,000 for adolescent alcohol and drug abuse treatment during the last session. To adequately cover the need, the Nevada Institute for Children believes $2.1 million is needed. The 1999 Nevada Legislature should give this request the thoughtful consideration it deserves and not kill it as the legislators did to the homes for neglected and abandoned children in Carson City and Boulder City.

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