Drug Enforcement Alone Not Enough to Win the Drug War in Dallas

Despite the fact that the average American pays more than $1200 per year to fight the war on drugs, alcoholism and drug abuse remain America’s number one heath problem. Annually, the federal government and states budget tens of billions of dollars to close down drug trafficking routes, put dealers in jail and incarcerate drug users, but Dallas area drug usage problems indicate that the demand for cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and other drugs remains steady.

Gary Smith, the director of Narconon Arrowhead, a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Canadian, Oklahoma, called for a greater balance of drug enforcement with the reduction of demand. “Just like every other form of commerce, drug trafficking operates on the law of supply and demand,” he stated. “Any drug routes or drug traffickers that are shut down are quickly replaced by new ones. The only way to win this war is to make sure that efforts to stop the flow of drugs are matched with effective actions to reduce demand by users. That means drug and alcohol treatment that creates citizens who remain drug and alcohol-free after treatment and education that really communicates the damaging effects of drugs to our young people.

“The immense drug trafficking activity that passes through Texas from Mexico, Columbia and the Dominican Republic exposes all Texans to the dangerous criminality of its operators,” stated Smith. “As well, high drug traffic means high drug availability of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana or club drugs to its residents. The proximity of Mexican pharmacies that sell often-abused prescription drugs over the counter increases the threat. Texans have an urgent need for drug treatment that ends the use of and desire for these dangerous substances.

“Fortunately for Dallas area residents, our highly-successful drug rehabilitation facility is just a few hours away,” Smith added. “We’re happy to be part of the solution with a drug-free rehabilitation program that helps three out of five of those who graduate the full program to lead drug-free and productive lives. We routinely treat people with drug and alcohol addiction problems from all over the United States at our facility in Oklahoma and refer to other centers around the country. We also offer effective drug education and materials. ”

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