PRISON ISN'T A SUBSTITUTE FOR TREATMENT

The recent sentencing of a woman to federal penitentiary, (June 18),
in the hope that she will get treatment for cocaine addiction, brings
into sharp focus the requirement for resources in the community which
will address the needs of people struggling with chemical
dependencies.

Prisons are not rehabilitation centres, and cannot provide the
therapeutic environment necessary for recovery. Society must realize
that addicts are sick people, and it is futile and inane to expect
that they will get well, and thus avoid criminal behaviour, unless
their illness is given proper attention.

Only then will they be more adequately prepared to take responsibility
and make restitution for their misdemeanors.

For years the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John has lobbied for the
establishment of long-term rehabilitation services for the addicted
women we know who return to jail again and again, always in a worse
condition than before. This is a waste of human potential and
taxpayer's money.

A more intelligent system should be considered, one that will offer
educational programs for youth to prevent their involvement with drugs
and crime, and intensive long-term rehabilitation for those who have
become victims of this scourge.

New Brunswick must take the lead and become an example in the field of
rehabilitation for addicted prisoners. Not all of them will accept the
offer or be successful if they do respond to this program, but
shouldn't they be given the opportunity? Who will take action in
dealing with this major health and justice problem?

Marianna L. Stack

Marian Perkins

Elizabeth Fry Society of Saint John