Australia learning from US drug problem

A delegate at the Australasian Drug Strategy Conference in Alice Springs says experience in the United States shows that the fight against drugs can be won through preventative programs.

Professor Richard Catalano from the University of Washington says governments should at least consider preventative programs because of their economic benefits.

He says studies in the US show that up to four times the monetary investment in such programs is returned through savings in the cost of reduced crime by the time a child is 16 years old.

"So I think that's an important critical element but also the kinds of successes that kids have getting off drugs, completing high school, having less emotional trauma in their lives," he said.

"These are things again that effect kids' life chances for years to come."

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Pubdate: Wed, 05 May 2004
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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