Substance Abuse

Re “Drugs, Alcohol Linked to 80% of Those Behind Bars,” Jan. 9:

If we stopped the insane war on drugs--which has accomplished nothing, except to severely erode the constitutional rights on which this country was founded--and instead devoted all those billions to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, we would all be better off. The jails would have room for the violent criminals who are a threat to all of us; and the nonviolent drug and alcohol addicts could get the treatment they need to become contributing citizens, instead of expensive, taxpayer-supported prisoners.

LUCY COLE

Eagle Rock