The war on drugs is less than effective; in fact it is so ineffective that it is being considered by most psychologist, policy makers, researchers, and law officials alike to be totally useless in preventing crime and drug use. As long as there is a demand there will be a supply. When the supply is reduced prices of the illegal drugs rise therefore addicts commit more crimes in order to get their fix. The cost of the war on drugs is too high, including salaries for police, jail time, court cost.
Addicts themselves are weak people that are caught up in a sickness that leaves them totally unable to cope with their lives. Jail does not rehabilitate and actually causes the addict to become more hopeless bitter and ashamed after they get out so they use again. These people are in need of help, not harm.
Recently there are many 'drug' courts forming that have programs for addicts so that they go to rehab rather than jail. They are more human and beneficial for the society and the addict
2006-09-04 11:23:50 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Of course most addicts have to reach 'rock' bottom before they finally decide to change their lives. However, I still believe that non-violent offenders do not need to be put in prision for their crimes for extended sentences. It is cruel on our part to punish the weak.
2006-09-04 11:25:28 · update #1
At one point in time I was a "drug addict".I grew up in a household that had many diffrent abuses. I now have been completely drug free for over a year and a half.I see the way there is nothing to do for kids these days, and many,not all parents are too busy to do activities,and hand the kids cash. My cycle started with the small stuff then I graduated to the big stuff. I learned that through programs and people that want the same thing I did, I had people that understood how I felt, and was there for me. I was held in jail for a few nights because my parents wanted to teach me a lesson, and i found that most of these people were institutionalized. They bragged about there robberies, talked about hooking up on the outside to "get high". I did not want to be the person I was, I was just hooked up in the "not being sick now" dilemma. I met people that was outside of the "old people, places, and things," that related to my old using. I agree jail is not the answer unless it was a violent crime. Programs cost less money and prove better results, in shorter time. That is if they are willing to grasp that opportunity. I'm sure some will say anything to get out of jail. I live a happy and free life, without drugs, people that use them in anyway, and I picked up where I left me, my ambitions, my future, and I'm running with it! Try to catch up!
2006-09-04 22:32:40 · answer #1 · answered by liz_milhans 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother got hooked on crack,crank,meth, whatever it is called these days. He lost his job,car,condo,and is now in prison. He originally went to jail for reasons I am not quite clear, and when he got out tried to snatch a ladies purse, desperate for that fix. He has been in 13 mos, and recently was sentenced. Got 10 years. (you never hear the whole truth by the user to know the details of why a judge would give that, so) He is in a county jail at the moment. He will be sent to the State Prison any time now. I hear drugs are available in some prisons if you have the right connection. He has a dependent personality, and is gay. So I worry that he will use once there. Had my brother gotten help a long time ago, when he was a kid when my mom abandoned him, he would have been a more productive human being. The drugs were his escape and look where he is now.
2006-09-04 18:37:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's part of their wake up call plus a lot of them are committing other crimes to sustain their habit or will as their dependency progresses. They may be driving while high and endangering the lives of others in the process. Sometimes they have children in their homes who are being abused/neglected. Sometimes the drug addicts go to work high and endanger their co-workers or the public at large in some jobs. I'd rather they be in jail than free where they could intentionally or unintentionally hurt me or my loved ones. If "jail" is a rehab center that they can't just leave, fine by me but frankly I'd rather they be off the streets if they cannot control their habit. If many addicts are able to get clean, then it proves that they do have a choice. Some addicts just choose not to. Just like any other addiction including smoking. If you choose to use, don't do it at my expense.
2006-09-04 18:38:45 · answer #3 · answered by DeeDee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is one i've asked many times to friends and i think i know the answer as bad as it is ------------- i dont think the goverment wants to put a stop to drugs because its a way to have control over the policing everyone, drug users or not it will be the law--- they could start a program when kid start school in kindergarden and all through school show what the bad effects of drugs are have this as a course you have to take and pass to graduate and after that legalize drugs to take the money out of the market/// they dont want to stop drugs--- some may say that we only need to teach our kids to be productive my system will save lots of money in law enforcement, health care,prisons and which will allow more money for educating that future dr,scienist,teacherand even the assembly line guy/// money and politics block these ideals and that is bad/// we need good leadership that can implement these ideals but we dont and its bad for everyone and will get worse and the country will fall and where will we be then????? !!!!!!
2006-09-04 18:44:59 · answer #4 · answered by ma_2st 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because prisoners are individuals who are penalized by the law and are institutionalized so the can no longer operate in society,
Drug comsumption and contraband is a act penalized by the law so they need to be institutionalized, besides consumption of drugs can lead to other crimes like contraband of drugs murder
2006-09-04 18:35:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but you're babbling about something you don't understand. You have'nt presented a single reference to back up your statements.
Drug users that are off the street can't support drug dealers, and may rat on them, so THEY can be taken off the street.
2006-09-04 18:33:37 · answer #6 · answered by senior citizen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Locking people up is a punishment. They knew what they were getting into when they started drugs. They might have had reasons but nobody forced them. If we didn't lock them up they would do it because they would be able to get away with it. It's really no different from locking up thieves and murderers.
2006-09-04 18:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by hot tea & toast 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Get them off the streets and away from harming honest people!
2006-09-04 18:30:49 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy D 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're being logical. However, most laws nowadays are written and maintained based on emotional agendas and public relations platforms.
2006-09-04 18:28:17 · answer #9 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Because they broke the law.
2006-09-04 18:29:17 · answer #10 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋