As a mental health therapist, I am pleased that the issue of access to quality mental health treatment, as a part of reducing violent crime and gun deaths is being addressed in this current initiative begun by President Obama. Having worked in the area of Substance Abuse Treatment for many years, I can tell you that issues related to Substance Abuse is actually a better predictor of future violence by an individual then mental illness. Approximately 80% of violent crime in America can be linked in some way to Substance Abuse. Many years of research has proven that Treatment in lieu of Incarceration is more cost effective and preventative of future violence by offenders. The time has come to make sensible changes to our Drug Laws and Sentencing Standards, as part of reducing violent crime.
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