Pubdate: Thu, 08 Dec 2005
Source: Phoenix New Times (AZ)
Copyright: 2005 New Times, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/640
Author: Ramona Holderman
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1851/a10.html

A POUND OF CURE:

I read with interest your article "Ice, Ice, Baby,"
about how most Arizona policymakers are working in the opposite
direction of solving the methamphetamine problem.

I'm into my second year of an 8.75-year sentence for a non-violent
crime. I would like to note that 70 percent of women locked up are
non-violent and that about 85 percent of the female offender
population is made up of mothers.

Unfortunately, this is not my first time in prison. The first happened
more than 10 years ago. I have never been afforded treatment, which is
my fault, too. But treatment probably would be the solution rather
than doing seven years for a money crime because of my addiction.

After reading your articles, I know now that treatment would have been
the right answer for myself, for my children and for taxpayers.

Ramona Holderman, Arizona State Prison, Perryville 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake