>>I think the rehab/testing/jail route would be very effective IF:
>- The government will actually enforce it for EVERY offense
>- There's enough money to provide rehab locations and qualified staff
>- There's enough money to provide testing locations and qualified staff
>- There's enough jail space
>
>I wish there was a simple answer to the drug problem. It is a complex social issue and will not be resolved by passing a few laws. We have to get to a point where the family has value in this nation and give opportunity to all. Generations of social issues play a large role in why drugs are a major problem today.

I whole-heartedly agree.

>The approach to jail is not the answer. We have more people serving life in prison in California (three strikes law) for smoking pot than are serving life for murder.

...

>If people do not meet our image should we put them in jail? Perhaps that attitude is why we have more people in jail that any other nation in the world. I do not think we can build enough jails to get rid of all our social problems. The amount of money spent to take care of a prisoner in jail far exceeds what it costs for the education of a child.

So perhaps legalizing some (all?) drugs is a possible answer (see my previous conversation with John Harvey). It takes the initial "fun" out of bucking the system (which is probably the initial attraction), it lessens the load on our judicial system and jails, and we can control the quality of the drugs (you won't get PCP-laced pot if you don't want it), and we can tax it, and spend the taxes on education. IOW, though I think real life is FAR BETTER than a drug-veiled life, just because *I* feel this way doesn't mean those who don't feel this way belong in jail.

>This is the reality of a drug addict. If they go through rehab they may fail three or more times. This does not mean they want to fail but the effects of drugs on the human body are too strong

Right. The physical effects of drugs are incredible, and an incredible obstacle to overcome the addiction. Just ask anyone trying to overcome nicotine, alcohol, or even caffiene addiction--let alone drugs. However, we don't throw nicotine, alcohol, or caffiene addicts in jail (unless specific behaviors warrant...like impaired driving).

You're right. There is no simple answer. Jailing people who use drugs is impractical and doesn't work. Legalizing drugs is likely socially objectionable to most (and I bet a lot of those are tobacco and caffiene addicts, if not alcohol addicts too!). Rehab works, but it's a loooooong process with lots of relapses. Education (meaning making all kids smarter and preparing them for life, not just teaching them about the dangers of drugs OR how to read, add, and write) is probably the best approach, but there's not enough money. It's not an easy problem at all.

- della