Discussion about first-time drug charges going to prison

[my <3 hurts]

I agree 100%. My son is serving a four year sentence for drug trafficking. He's a nonviolent, first time offender. His addiction controlled him to a degree, but he did work to support his kids & hide how bad his problem was from his wife & family. He sold to his friends to support his habit. Don't get me wrong, he broke the law & deserves to be punished. But four years away from his kids & family. Not to mention trying to find employment, adjusting back to a family life after being gone so long. Addiction is a sickness, so how does locking someone up change that fact. Jail time & treatment makes more sense & is cheaper for the tax payers! He could be home supporting his family & getting help with his addiction which led him to be an offender in the first place.