Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2005 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Author: Carol O. Dunlap Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) DRUG COURTS SUCCEED WHERE PRISONS FAIL The writer is executive director, Summit House of Charlotte. In response to "Prison alternative in peril" (June 27): Drug addiction is a treatable disease that can lead to criminal behavior. It makes good fiscal sense to fully fund N.C. drug courts, which actually address the problem rather than imprisoning users and destroying families. Prison doesn't break the cycle of crime. Treatment, structure and accountability -- that's what works! Carol O. Dunlap Charlotte - --- MAP posted-by: Beth