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For every $1 states spend dollar sign on substance misuse and addiction, 94 cents go to shovel up the consequences instead of for treatment and prevention. TELL YOUR LEGISLATORS

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U.S. States Find Alternatives to Drug War
September 19, 2003

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Research Summary

Rather than following policies to harshly penalize drug offenders, more U.S. states are enacting alternatives that treat addiction as an illness, the Associated Press reported Sept. 17.

According to a report by the Drug Policy Alliance, which supports alternatives to the drug war, 46 states have passed a total of 150 drug-reform laws.

A number of states are turning away from the "get-tough" drug policies of the 1980s and 1990s, which treated addiction as a crime, and are instead passing laws that support individuals with drug problems.

"There was a great deal of dissatisfaction with the way the war on drugs has been pursued, from conservatives and liberals," said Sen. Adam Kline (D-Washington).

Numerous states have also approved legislation that restores voting rights and welfare benefits for drug offenders. Others are enacting medical-marijuana initiatives.

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