Mark Houston Recovery

Save Money by Decriminalizing Drugs!

According to a recent article published by STLtoday.com, American taxpayers would save more than $46 billion if drug addicts (who are in prison now) were treated for their addictions instead. This is based on a study that was released at the end of May 2008.

The study from the Urban Institute in Washington found that approximately 3 percent of arrested addicts are referred to a drug court, which offers supervised treatment to nonviolent offenders whose records are expunged if they complete the program.

There is much speculation as to whether or not the court systems are justified in having drug addicts sentenced to do prison time versus having them go through a rehab treatment program. Obviously some people are going to disagree and say that “criminals” need to be locked up so that they aren’t on the streets dealing or buying drugs. As many already know, most crime is committed because there are drugs involved. Not that long ago, in fact, a young girl was shot as she was standing outside of her car in Chapel Hill, NC, and the reason? Because the two men wanted to use her car and money to buy drugs.

According to Judge Charles Simmons Jr., a drug court judge in Greenville, SC,

Most addicts need something more than being warehoused. Drug courts are putting families back together, and they are decreasing crime at a tremendous savings to taxpayers.

Actress and recovering alcohol and drug addict, Melanie Griffith was at the meeting of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and argued in support of having more drug courts. She claims that doing so is effective because the drug courts provide both support and accountability for the abusers:

I had a long struggle with addiction because I didn’t have that. And by the grace of God, I didn’t end up in prison. There are so many people, who with this kind of help, can lead beautiful lives.

For more information about relapse prevention, contact Mark Houston Recovery today!

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