INCARCERATION NO CURE FOR ADDICTION

I want to thank Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb publicly for her efforts
to ease prison overcrowding and address drug addiction with a more
compassionate approach. It is so important for society to realize
that addiction is an illness that can be treated and not a crime that
needs punishing.

Many of you know me as a voice for drug policy and prison reform in
Alabama and as a candidate for governor in 2006. I am also a family
member who has witnessed the devastating impact that drugs and
alcohol can have on human lives.

I have two brothers -- one in prison and one who just overdosed for
the ninth time on methadone provided to him by the VA. I love them
both very much, despite their addictions. I know for a fact locking
them in prison does not work.

While I am happy to see drug courts expand in Alabama, I fear that
they will simply round up pot smokers to fill their treatment beds.
Those beds should be kept available for people suffering from
addiction to hard drugs like alcohol, methamphetamine, crack/power
cocaine and opiates, both pharmaceutical and street versions.

Marijuana should be exempt from all criminal sanctions, police
involvement, and court oversight when used responsibly by adults.

Taking responsible adult pot smokers out of the drug court equation
will greatly enable the drug courts to better help the people who
really need it.

Loretta Nall

Alexander City