But, after a career of professional contact with addicts and systems, I'd have to judge that you are, as I was, in error.
Only a small portion of addicts will be helped by rehab. Some, for a short time. Most look at your current POV, smile, and say "SUCKAHHH"!
It's a most perverse incentive...that 'help'.
There's a lot to be said about allowing one to hit a bottom. Feelgood 'help' programs arrest development of character necessary to overcome senseless self-injury. 'Help' rewards the bad habits.....no more jones?
No more love.
It takes pain and suffering to build determination to fix ones self. No pain...no gain.
Many dope addicts I've been professionally acquainted with count being incarcerated as the blessing they needed to break the habit. And they didn't go there for possession.....breaking, robbery, mayhem, burglary, home-invasion fraud, forgery. You want all of us to pay a ransom into social services so they leave us alone?
No thanks...I'm strictly, and obdurately, Old Testament tough lover.
I count among my acquaintances several formerly hopeless addicts who thank me, whenever they see me, for catching them doing bad things.....and make the case to put them in the sin bin for months or years.
No wonder they won't let me join the DNC.
I could go on about my perception of the Rehabilitation Industry...including candid revelations from kin in the field. "The cure comes when the insurance runs out."
I could be wrong...but I think not.
ps...the crime rate could be reduced a lot, if the courts and judges would stop being so damn nice and helpful to first-time offenders. Jeez, the juvenile court to which I brought cases would only make incarceration a part of any penalty ..only...AFTER THE FIFTH CHARGE for auto theft! By that time, the opportunity to alter behavior is gone. Inured, they become....and then cry creeks of tears when they get seriously whacked after 25 or 30 adjudications of guilt.
I always told my kids that if they got arrested, that they would spend the night or weekend in jail....and that I would urge the judge to inflict a severe penalty. [can't do that anymore..child abuse]. It's like a dog pooping on the floor: y' gotta get their nose in it and holler at 'em real quick......before they can no longer make cognitive connection between bad behavior and the discomfort of penalty. [my kids never had law trouble]
What I would advocate for are shorter, immediate sentences of days or weeks for 1st time misdemeanor offenses like possession. It would have a great impact, I believe.
Broad subject! I'll curtail m'self. That's my 2cent
The problem with what you say is your focusing on the user as the victim. They’re not. The people they rob and kill to obtain drugs are the victims. You take the money out of the drugs and the victims who are abused by drug users and dealers comes to a stop. What your wanting to do will just continue what has been going on for years.