Government’s Drug Policy

Given the positions and credentials of the authors, the content of the May 1 commentary on methamphetamine should not really surprise anyone; however, it is disappointing nonetheless because it so well illustrates the intellectual constipation of the professional drug policy and treatment community.

Mark A.R. Kleiman and Sally Satel express angst and uncertainty about the best approach to limit the damage from illegal drugs. They decry the failures of the past and the limitations of present politics and end with a forlorn hope that somehow the latest drug czar will work a miracle.

Never once do these well-educated and influential professionals question the validity of drug prohibition, which is clearly the source of 95% of the “drug problem.” This is a self-inflicted national wound which has been festering for over 80 years because we persist in trying the same old ineffective and destructive treatment. Someday, hopefully soon, Americans will read about present drug policies and shake their heads in wonder at our stupidity.

THOMAS J. O’CONNELL MD

San Mateo