This letter was prompted by the front-page coverage of the case of a young person being charged for illegal possession of controlled substances.

As a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine I care for patients who have significant behavioral problems related to substance misuse and other mental health concerns. Biases and ignorance are common, particularly on issues as emotional and complex as substance use disorders and other serious mental illnesses. Sadly, we incarcerate a greater percentage of our population than any other civilized country. A large percentage of those incarcerated suffer from substance use disorders and other serious mental illnesses.

The comments by the prosecutor in the article are not congruent with his track record as a prosecutor. He has significantly underused the therapeutic courts compared to other prosecutors and has done little to assure that medical standards of care are delivered. He has expressed satisfaction in prosecuting and sentencing those with serious and overt mental illness. Nonetheless, he states that the well-being of defendants is for him a high priority.

While prosecutors may spin and question evidence in the courtroom, regardless of objective merit, let us hold them accountable when their public words undermine trust.

Our legal system dominates our efforts to prevent and manage substance use disorders and, to a lesser extent, other serious mental health conditions. 

Arguably, our current “criminal” approach aggravates substance abuse and associated criminal behavior, as was commonly the case during the prohibition of alcohol. 

While regulations regarding potentially dangerous substances are helpful, let us decriminalize behavior stemming from treatable illness. In countries where decriminalization has happened, the public health benefits are striking. Our current approach is ineffective and cruel. It is also extremely expensive. Where do we want to go with this?

James Rotchford
PORT TOWNSEND