Utah has made substantial progress in recent years in the war against alcohol and other drugs, but that shouldn't send any comforting signal that the war is about over.
That's clearly evident in the third annual Report to the Governor and the Legislature from the Utah Substance Abuse Coordinating Council, which was released last week.For example, while adolescent drug use has declined overall, large numbers of youths are regular users of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and many more are at risk for such use.
An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 youths in the 12- to 17-year-old category need treatment for substance abuse problems. It is particularly disturbing that 28 percent of Utah's fifth and sixth graders have used alcohol. In addition, the document states that lifetime use of pain medications for non-medical purposes among seventh through 12th graders has more than doubled since 1984.
"Twenty-two percent of secondary students report having a family member with an alcohol problem, and 13 percent report a family member with a drug problem. Nearly one in five seventh-12th graders knows someone who sells drugs, and 20 percent have close friends who use alcohol regularly," the report states.
The council's report contains six legislative priorities and myriad other recommendations. Many don't require additional funding.
The legislative priorities include an increase in the number of state agents available to work with local drug enforcement task forces, a cost-of-living increase for county-operated substance abuse programs and more involvement of the judiciary.
Other recommendations are increased treatment resources for pregnant women, women with dependent children and adult and juvenile offenders. The 112-page document also calls for additional intensive supervision resources for adult and juvenile drug offenders on probation.
The council justifiably recommends $3.7 million in new money from the state general fund for the fiscal year that begins next July 1.
Adult corrections officials say that 85 percent of incarcerated inmates have documented substance abuse problems that need treatment. Such treatment is important because of the high correlation between drug abuse and crime.
If offenders are helped to rid themselves of the need for drugs, crime should be reduced, thus reducing financial and other burdens on the correctional system.
The state council, which is headed by John T. Nielsen, former state public safety commissioner, advocates screening and treatment for individuals on probation and parole. Another priority is funds for stepped-up treatment services for pregnant women and women with dependent children.
One 1991 study found that 7.8 percent of Utah women tested positive for alcohol and other drugs at the time they delivered their babies. An estimated 2,800 infants are born annually in Utah to mothers who are abusing drugs during pregnancy.
These and many other statistics show the need for prevention, treatment and other services.
While many of the council's recommendations require state or federal funds, many do not. Some of the war on drugs can be won through volunteer efforts of Utah individuals and families. Utahns should work with state, federal and private organizations in what will still be a long and difficult struggle.