As a University administrator working with students residing in on-campus residence halls, I can personally attest to the tragic outcomes of illicit drug use and abuse (since a majority of on-campus students are under the age of 21, alcohol is an illicit drug).

I see the horrors of campus violence, which on most occasions can be linked to the use of alcohol or other drugs. Student academic retention rates are adversely affected by alcohol and other drug use.

Sexual assaults on-campus are almost always linked to alcohol and other drugs. And bowing to an economic platform, residence hall damages are overwhelmingly linked to substance use and abuse.

In taking a defeatist attitude toward the drug problem and advocating legalization, proponents of that position draw an interesting parallel between illicit drugs and alcohol.

Some believe our nation's laws and response to alcohol-related issues could serve as guidelines for implementing drug related laws, procedures, and abuse responses if decriminalization occurs.

I find it remarkably ironic that any educated person would view our nation's perception of alcohol, use of alcohol and response to its abuse as a model for developing responses and guidelines for drugs that are proposed to be decriminalized.

Alcohol has been decriminalized since prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the passage of the 21st Amendment. Since then, alcohol has woven a path of destruction through the fabric of American lives.

Thousands needlessly die each year due to alcohol-related diseases, accidents, and illnesses.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs, reports that 1984-85 statistics reveal a $6.4 billion annual economic loss related to substance abuse due to decreased workplace productivity.

My point is, if our response to adolescent alcohol use and general alcohol abuse in this country has been so ineffective, how can the proponents of decriminalization view this as a positive model to follow?

We, as a nation, must become involved in a serious prioritizing of values in order to combat the drug dilemma. Given the frailty of the victim -- humans -- we have an obligation to continually assess and react to an environment which may predispose individuals to succumb to pressures to use and abuse illicit substances.

While the concept of "Just Say No" may be a rallying cry for some, the complexities surrounding what seems to be our inability to shun artificially induced highs pose significant obstacles in addressing that exact problem.

Legalizing highly psychologically, and/or physiologically addicting substances will add to the misery already felt by many. Total elimination of drug use is too incomprehensible and too simplistic, yet striving for such a goal should be our calling.

Decriminalization is a cop-out! We, as citizens of this country and temporary custodians of this planet, must recognize and appreciate not only the inherent worth of each individual cohabitating this planet with us, but also understand the imperfections that exist within each of us.

Preying on our faults by legalizing more potent and harmful substances will lead to our demise.

Words, money, time and tremendous banks of creative thinking are wasted on arguing for decriminalization of drugs. Wouldn't we as a civilization be more honestly served if all this energy focused on issues related to combating drug use?

In-roads can and have been made in reducing the demand for drugs in some areas of American life. But a tremendous struggle lies ahead.

Communities must mobilize to effectively educate, prevent and intervene when necessary on issues involving illicit drug use. Certain school systems within Pennsylvania do an admirable job in educating our youth, but the burden is not theirs alone.

School systems cannot be viewed as a panacea for all social ills. Rather they are an integral component in a machine which is necessary to combat drug use.

Educational programs, peer counselors, prevention activities, support groups, intervention personnel, treatment specialists and individuals able to teach life skills are all effective and interwoven conduits for fighting this plague.

Support for any worthwhile program addressing social issues must involve entire communities. Schools, churches, civic organizations, youth organizations, law enforcement personnel, private businesses, business associations, social organizations, etc. have an inherent obligation to assist their community develop in a positive and healthy manner.

I urge you to write to your state representatives stating your opposition to the decriminalization of illicit drugs. I also urge you to involve yourself in community activities which foster a drug free and healthy environment in neighborhoods, towns and cities across the Commonwealth.

Citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can call PENNSYLVANIANS AWARE to access accurate and up-to-date information on how communities can mobilize to combat the drug issue.