Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Can war on drugs be won?

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001 | 8:23 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

The "war on drugs" is like a freight train puffing along year after year picking up speed on the downhill side and slowing to a crawl going up the mountain.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, an arm of the Department of Health and Human Services, has proclaimed September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Elaborate brochures have gone out to the media, religious groups, public officials and drug treatment centers explaining the philosophy behind the 12th annual National Recovery Month.

Some of the statistics are awesome.

Fifty-five percent of America's young people have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school. The result -- declining grades, absenteeism and dropping out of school.

According to the latest data, more than 10 million Americans are dependent on drugs or alcohol. An estimated 14.8 million Americans were illicit-drug users in 1999. Estimates show that the costs associated with untreated addiction problems are substantial. Well over half a million hospital emergency department visits were drug-related.

Fifty-one percent of federal inmates and 47 percent of individuals on probation report they were using drugs at the time of their offense. There's much, much more. Actually, these figures have changed little in the past 12 years.

So, what are we doing right -- or wrong -- in this war on drugs? The theme of this year's Recovery Month is "We Recover Together: Family, Friends and Community."

Is it possible to win the war against drugs? Pontificators argue, politicians ponder, parents and health professionals worry, and substance-abuse experts continue their efforts to aid the addicted.

It's a war that can only be won one battle at a time.

During National Recovery Month, it behooves every citizen to become knowledgeable about the problem and cognizant of the benefits of treatment.

Dr. H. Wesly Clark, director of the Center for Abuse Treatment, states: "Together, we can help families, friends and communities reclaim their lives from substance abuse."

There are many options to consider ranging from the legalization of drugs to much more severe punishment of dealers. Unfortunately, as long as there is big money to be made in the production and dissemination of drugs, and willing users, the solution will remain as elusive as a wisp of smoke.

Good luck to John Robinson.

Taking on the job of athletic director at UNLV, in addition to coaching the football team, is no easy task.

University of Nevada, Reno's Chris Ault found that out the hard way, which resulted in the Board of Regents ruling that it shouldn't happen again.

But that was long ago and far away, and the new Board of Regents has chosen to ignore the Ault decision. Now it is up to Robinson, a nice, capable guy, who is going to need all the luck he can get.

Build a better mousetrap and you'll catch more rats -- or something like that. The proponents of making it possible to use credit cards on slot machines and video-poker games are intent on building a better trap to catch gamblers.

The gaming regulators should turn this one down with no regrets.