La Opinión
October 23, 2008

Drug addiction is a medical problem that is often improperly treated with prison. This does not mean that the crime problem can be resolved with external treatment, but rather that there is an imbalance in the approach to drug addicts in that punishment prevails over rehabilitation. This is a recipe for continuing to overcrowd the prison system and not provide help where its effect can be positive.

Proposition 5 provides an alternative so some individuals guilty of nonviolent crimes can have other options. The measure basically extends treatment to people convicted of drug-related crimes, it makes modifications to probation, and regulates court authority in certain cases.

Opponents say that criminals will claim drug problems to avoid prison; but judges have discretion to recommend or reject candidates for these programs based on the person’s record.

Proposition 36, approved in 2000, was the first step in promoting drug rehabilitation programs in a criminal context. We believe that, in general, the results have been positive. This initiative goes one step further, since, among other things, it includes an intervention component for youth at risk of falling into the world of drugs.

The measure will also help relieve overcrowding in prisons by providing more options to addicts found guilty of drug-related crimes, without endangering public safety. The money saved will be used to cover the cost of the programs.

Prison is not the answer for addicts. There, they graduate as criminals instead of recovering. This initiative will give them another chance. Vote YES on Proposition 5!