What would happen if we turned the criminal justice system on its head, and actually treated the drug and alcohol addicted with the diseases they are affected with? More than 70% of all of those in American’s prisons, and the majority of violent crimes, are tied directly to drugs and alcohol. It seems that it would follow that addressing the diseases themselves, getting individuals off of drugs and alcohol, would do 100% more than simply locking folks up. Maybe we should have a court and prosecution (and sentencing) process that offered a reduced sentence for those who successfully complete a program designed to cure (their) addictions.
Just something to think about…
Onward with HOPE
John Hope Bryant