Pubdate: Sun, 17 Apr 2005
Source: Enid News & Eagle (OK)
Copyright: Enid News & Eagle 2005
Contact:  http://www.enidnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2012
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

STATE NOT ONLY ONE GRAPPLING WITH OVERCROWDED PRISONS

Oklahoma is not the only state grappling with overcrowded prisons. 
Throughout the nation, states facing budget shortfalls are pursuing 
alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. A study 
conducted by the RAND Corporation found that every additional dollar 
invested in substance abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48 in societal 
costs. There is far more at state than tax dollars.

The drug war is not the promoter of family values that some would have us 
believe. Children of inmates are at risk of educational failure, 
joblessness, addiction and delinquency. Not only do the children lose out, 
but society as a whole does too. Incarcerating non-violent drug offenders 
alongside hardened criminals is the equivalent of providing them with a 
taxpayer-funded education in anti-social behavior.

Turning drug users into unemployable ex-cons is a senseless waste of tax 
dollars. It's time to declare peace in the failed drug war and begin 
treating all substance abuse, legal or otherwise, as the public health 
problem it is. Destroying the futures and families of citizens who make 
unhealthy choices doesn't benefit anyone. Drug abuse is bad, but the drug 
war is worse.

Robert Sharpe, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom