A mother's plea for drug treatment

Posted to OregonLive.com by Kathleen Gilbert, April 27, 2009

In response to " Good luck with that drug addiction" I would like to share Vincent's story. In October 2007 Vincent at age 18 was sentenced to 61 months in an Oregon State Prison for crimes committed as the result of a methamphetamine addiction. Acknowledged in court, the solution was for Vincent to serve 12 months in prison then be eligible for an "alternative incarceration program."

"AIP" was initially designed for young first time offenders as a means of treating addiction and preventing a cycle of crime and incarceration. During his first 12 months due to budget issues changes were made and older repeat offenders took priority to participate in programs, severely decreasing Vincent's opportunity. Fortunately with the insistence of his family and the support of the Judge after 15 months Vincent was accepted into a "AIP". Addressing addiction, cognitive thinking skills, parenting, and many more behaviors that result from addiction and criminal thinking.

He now possesses the knowledge, skills and self-confidence to live a productive life, be an asset rather than a liability to his community and be a contributing member of his family. As it is not only the life of the addict that is comprised, but every life they touch.

My question is. . . . who is more deserving? A teenager who has just begun life or a adult who has so far lived a life of despair? The really sad thing is that this is a question that can translate into what is more important: Money or quality of human life?

(Kathleen Gilbert is a PSJ member)