Let’s start by being honest. We treat addictions by sending people to prison, particularly if they are poor or a racial minority. That fact is inarguable.

Consider the data. Nearly 80% of people charged with a crime are abusing drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense. Nearly 65% of people in prison have a major substance abuse disorder. Substance use dramatically increases the likelihood of recidivism…

Prisons are our default response to addictions. [Read more…]