Pubdate: Sat, 26 May 2001
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2001 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Dave Michon
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n899/a03.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS NEW FOCUS

The column on treating addiction, not imprisoning it was a welcome addition 
to the rising chorus of American voices protesting the heavy-handed 
zero-tolerance approach to the tragedy of addiction ("Treatment, not jail, 
for non-violent addicts," May 20). When no victims exist other than the 
addicts themselves, it's clear our drug war-crazed criminal justice system 
has become the bull in the china shop of addicts' delicate nervous systems.

Contrary to the old saw, prison and jail do nothing for the addict but send 
him or her further toward the septic field. No-fault possession laws - no 
victim, no crime - and enlightened medical maintenance would effectively 
remove the addict vector from the drug paradigm and would do more toward 
curbing - medicalizing - drug use than a plan against Colombia.

But that would require millions of Americans to see beyond their 
prejudices. Alas.

Dave Michon

Eau Claire
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