Re: Addictions

[Guest guest]

Mr. Murray,

You still don't get it. No one is suggesting that if a crime has been

committed, the perpetrator goes unpunished. Crimes and punishment are why

we have a judicial system. The question is, is addiction a crime? By

itself, it is not. It is a disease. An alcoholic person sitting at home

alone drinking is not guilty of a criminal activity. If that individual,

however, gets up and drives while under the influence and runs you over,

then it becomes a legal issue.

As previously noted, the legal system has a myriad of means and methods in

which to punish the offender. The judge or jury may decide that being

remanded to a psychiatric facility or a 12-step program may be the

appropriate choice for the individual. It may decide the individual may

need jail time. That is not my or your call, it is what the legal system is

designed to do.

These are two separate issues. What we have been discussing is what

constitutes a profession's appropriate response to a medical situation. We

are trying to define a system of medical assistance which will treat the

addict and prevent him from running you over.

Jim Easley

[texasems-L] Addictions

What about sex addiction, Addiction to stealing, Addiction to child

molestation, Addiction to violence??? Where does the crime end and disease

begin?

I am all for people getting the assistance they need but don't cry about

having a disease when its time to take your punishment.

Having compassion does not equal being soft on criminals.

In addition, you show me 1 alcoholic that does not drive or show up to work

under the influence and I'll show you an unemployed person without a

car......Punishment + Treatment + Determent

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