Pubdate: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 Source: Shepherd Express (WI) Copyright: 2005 Alternative Publications Inc. Contact: http://www.shepherd-express.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/414 Author: Christopher Gorski Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) PRISON DRUG TREATMENT Joel McNally's Feb. 17 article, "Treatment Vs. Prison," on the treatment "alternative" for drug addicts/alcoholics in the Wisconsin correctional system makes a dire point toward the end: What if there were modes of treatment before one goes so far as to land in prison? I'm glad this article was printed because this issue is very prominent in society as a whole. It seems that the ideal goal of incarceration is to better society and the inmates. Substance addiction is at the center of crime, and thus the strongest force on the state of communities. The United States has been under the notion that if we take out the supply, it will strongly affect the demand. Truth is, that no matter how many coca plants we spray pesticides on, no matter how many poppy fields we burn, there will still be addicts. If the states took on drug treatment headfirst, we'd see a significant change. It would affect poverty, education, disease and CRIME. A huge portion of people in prison is there because of drugs in one way or another. Drugs are destroying our communities (especially in Milwaukee) and this issue definitely needs more light. Again, thank you, Christopher Gorski - --- MAP posted-by: Beth