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Bush says many suffer because of drug abuse

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 19, 2002

TALLAHASSEE -- Sounding like a father in pain, Gov. Jeb Bush talked Monday about his daughter's drug treatment and the problems faced by other Floridians who have children with drug problems.

"I can see people in crowds. I can see the look. I can look in people's eyes and tell they are going through something similar," Bush said after meeting with members of his Drug Policy Advisory Council to talk about drug treatment programs and the need for more money to eliminate a waiting list for treatment.

Ever since his 24-year-old daughter, Noelle, was arrested after allegedly trying to forge a prescription, Bush said people have quietly shared with him their own family battles with drugs.

Bush said his daughter is "doing pretty good" in a drug treatment program that will also see her in drug court in Tallahassee.

"One thing about the drug court program that does make it work is there is a consequence over your head when you are given a second chance," he said.

"The alcohol and drug abuse problem among young people and older people is just incredible.

"As a result of the additional publicity brought to this, a day does not go by, an hour doesn't go by that someone doesn't come up to me and say, "I know what you are going through,' " Bush said.

They are people from every race and creed, Bush said. "This is a huge issue that eats away at our soul in many ways," he added.

But Florida is working to solve the problem, the governor insisted. In the past three years the number of drug courts available to help people get treatment and supervision has more than doubled.

"It's an excellent program," Bush said. "We'll have them in every jurisdiction."

Bush seeks $281-million for substance abuse programs, an increase of $14.8-million, or 5.6 percent over current funding.

Bush said he also has been working to restore drug treatment programs for people on probation that was stripped from the budget in a special session in December.