Alcoholics should get needed rehab instead of prison sentences

Too many people are being sent to prison for drinking related offenses such as dwi or alcohol consumption violating probation and parole. I agree this may be wrong and it is a crime but I feel they need to be ordered to intensive and even live in rehab to get help for their addiction. Prison is not the answer. It will not help them in the long run to quit. It is expensive and tears families apart.

Yes, there is "treatment" programs in prisons but they are just not the same. In fact, the prison environment itself may cause more psychological issues creating more of a desire to drink. Not to mention that even though they are incarcerated that does not mean they are not drinking. There is home made boot leg liquor available. So please, prevent people who need help from going to prison. Save lives, money, families, and futures sign this petition. It could happen to anyone.