There are difficult issues we face. We know a large part of the prison population has alcoholism/addiction/mental health issues. I would like to see early intervention within the criminal justice system to avoid putting people in prison. This brings up the issue of forced treatment.

If you have committed no crime or even if you are suicidal I am totally absolutely against forced treatment. As a member of AA I have always been against forcing people to go to meetings. I think it violates AA philosophy and traditions. On the other hand I have seen many court ordered people decide to stay and have lasting sobriety. It changed their lives. Drug courts have been effective but it is forced treatment. I guess once you are in the criminal justice system you have given up some rights.

God knows that if someone keeps committing crimes and ends up in prison they are screwed. They have to join a gang for protection, their jailors oppress and abuse them. They get institutionalized. There is not help when they get out. They stand very little chance. I would like to see them get the proper empathetic help they need. With the goal of successful reintegration into society. This would mean forced treatment in most cases. There are groups and help for those who want it voluntarily but it is hard for them to separate from the rest of the inmates.