New York Alcoholics: Help Instead of Jail?

Nov. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- It has become a classic debate.

Society has a knee-jerk type of reaction with alcoholics, especially when traffic accidents are involved. Many states have tightened their laws to allow for fast drivers license suspension for an infraction. In more serious cases, when injuries are involved, jail time becomes the norm.

But, in a society with crushing economic debt, overcrowded jails and strained municipal, state and federal budgets, is this really the best answer?

Many believe that rehabilitation and recovery or treatment options are the best approach. Apparently, the philosophy on this is partly based on which side you take on the disease vs. behavior debate.

One thing is clear, however: more alternatives to incarceration are needed.

This all comes down to an essential fact. One of the great controversies in respect of treatment of alcohol problems is the debate of whether alcoholism is a disease. Experienced New York City Criminal Lawyers understand this complex problem from every side of the issue. An increasing number of people, including treatment professionals, believe that there is little doubt that alcoholism should be viewed as a disease, rather than as a moral weakness, and this has brought benefits to alcoholics. To some extent, it reduced the stigma experienced by sufferers and has opened the door to treatment rather than punishment. It is the mainstay of the belief system of AA groups who have been responsible for helping many to recover from a hopeless state.

A famous study of alcoholics (Mendelson and Mello 1978) found that alcoholics could and did control their craving and consumption. In this experiment they were given the opportunity to work in exchange for alcohol and to consume it when and as they wanted. Instead of being constantly drunk, it was found that the subjects worked and consumed alcohol selectively, sometimes saving some for consumption at a later time. Other studies have found that alcoholics (both treated and untreated) have returned to patterns of problem free consumption. These people are in the minority but they do nevertheless represent a significant number. Finally, a new topic in addiction research is what is known as natural recovery, is changing addictive behavior without the aid of treatment. Many studies have found that this is a common route out of addiction. One large scale study also found that not only is it common, it is by far the most common route. AA members additionally often point to work done by Dr. Silkworth in 1939, who discusses alcoholism as an allergy.

It is important for the New Yorker who has been unfortunately caught up in a serious legal charge or infraction due to alcohol-related causes to consult with a highly experienced New York City Criminal Lawyer who has an understanding of all of these issues and can provide immediate help.

Visit http://www.arresthelp.net for more information.