50 signatures reached
To: State legislators, Governors, District Attorneys, Local Judges
End the Cycle: Stop Sending Drug Addicts to Prison – Prioritize Treatment Over Incarceration
I urge state legislators and district attorneys to implement policies that prioritize treatment for drug addiction over incarceration. By supporting rehabilitation programs and alternative sentencing for non-violent drug offenders, we can reduce recidivism, save taxpayer money, and offer real solutions to those suffering from addiction. Specific representatives like Mike DeWine, and Ohio’s U.S. Senators, Sherrod Brown and JD Vance have the power to advocate for this change in our justice system.
What Needs to Happen:
We need legislative reforms that mandate rehabilitation and treatment options for drug addicts in place of prison sentences. Funding should be redirected from mass incarceration towards expanding mental health services, addiction treatment facilities, and job training programs for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. Additionally, district attorneys should adopt alternative sentencing programs that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
We need legislative reforms that mandate rehabilitation and treatment options for drug addicts in place of prison sentences. Funding should be redirected from mass incarceration towards expanding mental health services, addiction treatment facilities, and job training programs for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. Additionally, district attorneys should adopt alternative sentencing programs that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
Why is this important?
The issue of sending drug addicts to prison is not just a personal problem; it’s a societal one that affects us all. Imprisoning individuals struggling with addiction doesn't address the root cause of their behavior—it perpetuates a harmful cycle of addiction, incarceration, and relapse. The prison system is not equipped to treat addiction, and as a result, these individuals often reoffend, creating a revolving door that impacts families, communities, and taxpayers.
By prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation over prison sentences, we can help break this cycle. Studies show that treatment programs lead to lower recidivism rates, saving taxpayers money and improving public safety. Incarceration isolates individuals from the support networks they need for recovery, while treatment provides the tools to overcome addiction, rebuild lives, and contribute to society.
We cannot solve the addiction crisis by simply punishing those who suffer from it. Instead, we must offer compassion and effective solutions that provide individuals the chance to recover and lead healthy, productive lives.
This campaign is not just about reforming the justice system; it's about building stronger, healthier communities. Everyone knows someone affected by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. This issue transcends socioeconomic lines and impacts families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By joining this campaign, you can help advocate for real change that addresses the root cause of addiction and offers a more effective, humane alternative to imprisonment.
This campaign is not just about reforming the justice system; it's about building stronger, healthier communities. Everyone knows someone affected by addiction, whether directly or indirectly. This issue transcends socioeconomic lines and impacts families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By joining this campaign, you can help advocate for real change that addresses the root cause of addiction and offers a more effective, humane alternative to imprisonment.
Together, we can create a society that doesn’t punish individuals for their struggles but helps them heal. By standing up for treatment over incarceration, you are helping to create a system that works for everyone—one that reduces crime, strengthens families, and promotes public health.
Addiction is a public health issue, not a criminal one. Let’s work together to shift the focus from punishment to healing and ensure that individuals receive the help they need rather than being condemned to a life of imprisonment. Join us in demanding better solutions that benefit our entire community.