Addiction

End The Cycle of Addiction

Addiction can, and often does, destroy people's lives. Addiction can over power people's good intentions, their will power, and even destroy whatever character they may have. It is not a good thing. Many addicts have no control over it. Many would like to be free of their addiction. Previously I suggested that locking them up might be the only viable solution, but now I think I have a better idea.

How about a town in a remote area with limited civil rights? Specifically, the authorities would be free to search anywhere within the city limits. Not only would there be no prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, there would be a regular search program.

Drugs (heroin, meth, coke, etc.), alcohol, tobacco and gambling would all be prohibited within the city limits. Vehicles going in or out would be stopped and inspected. However, people would be free to come and go. Using a town that is somewhat remote from Portland would put a obstacle in the way of coming and going.

The town would be run like any other town, though it would be supplanted with a rehabilitation ward and a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) like work program. Anyone who wanted to live here would be allowed, though they would have to sign an annual release form, waiving their right to privacy. In order to avoid any legal wrangling no one could be allowed to own any real estate in this town. It would have to be owned by the state or by a private company.

I can imagine having a recruiting center where people can sign up to be transported, detoxed and employed. On the other hand, judges could sentence people to this town if they thought the person and society at large would benefit. Hopefully, the residents of this town could make enough money to pay for the extra expense of it's operation, but even if it didn't, the cost savings realized by removing these people from temptation might more than make up for it.

We might even save some people's lives.

Update November 2016 replaced missing picture.