Drop mandatory sentencing laws so judges can decide sentences on an individual basis. Decriminalize marijuana and apply similar regulations to that of alcohol. Stop threatening addicts with prison, and instead encourage them to come forward and ask for help. Also, set up treatment programs that are accessible to all addicts. The approach we are using now is only making the problems worse.
Treatment can and does work.
Family support can and does work. Love and compassion can and do work. A wise and compassionate judge sentenced a family member of mine to treatment instead of jail. He has been clean for three years. The Arizona Republic Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper whose editorial board consists of Keven Ann Willey, Phil Boas, Jennifer Dokes, Doug MacEachern, Joel Nilsson, O. Ricardo Pimentel, Robert Robb, Laurie Roberts, Linda Valdez, Ken Western and Steve Benson.