Should alcoholics be put behind bars?
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According to Alcohol Concern, research shows that 35% of all inmates in UK prisons say they have a drinking problem. Nearly half of these think that alcohol contributed to their offending.
The next steps in the UK governments alcohol strategy 'Safe, Sensible and Social' will aim at bearing down on those 'committing crime' and 'anti-social behaviour' when drunk. However, alcoholics who have been in prison for drunken behaviour argue that this may not be the answer to decreasing crime rates.
Recovering addict, Gary Smith, 34 said: "Being in prison numerous times still didnt help me. After finishing the sentence I was back on the streets and back to drinking. Before I knew it I had done something wrong again, and I was back in prison. It's a vicious circle that doesnt end."
However, Drug and Alcohol Action Team coordinator, David Hosie said: "Alcoholics need to seek help. But many of them dont want it and continue to be involved in crime, and they can be a threat to society. The government then has no option but to put them in prison."
Brian was first sentenced to prison when he was 15 years old. He is now 36 and is finally getting the support he needs at The Clubhouse aftercare centre in Bournemouth. According to Brian, the law needs to make adjustments. Alcoholics with anti-social behaviour disorders need to address the problem of alcoholism. The behaviour problems are part of the addiction. This needs to be dealt with first.
Click below to watch what Brian has to say.
