There is an epidemic of almost epic proportions in this wonderful nation called the United States. But this epidemic is not only national; it’s global. And because of this epidemic, other societal problems arise, such as increased crime and prison overcrowding. The epidemic is one of substance abuse and addiction. Every state's prison systems house more prisoners than any other for drug crimes. Statistics don't lie; they only tell the truth. Treatment rather than incarceration would benefit the addict himself and society as a whole. Evidence shows that treatment would reduce the amount of criminal activity due to drug abuse and dependence. Logic shows that if a problem is solved, its consequences disappear. There are different views on the treatment or incarceration of drug-addicted criminals. And there are valid points in each of these arguments. Consider the justifiable common sense argument that a crime is a crime and as such deserves to be punished. It is common knowledge that, in almost all societies, punishment has always meant incarceration, corporal punishment, and even death. In medieval times there were dungeons deep inside the castle in which those who committed crimes against the crown were incarcerated and thus punished. Currently, offenders are sentenced by a judge and jury to incarceration in an overcrowded and highly strained prison system. Crime actually needs to be fought in this country, especially drug crimes. Statistics from the Office of National Drug Control Policy indicate that drug-related arrests that occurred in 1999 alone totaled more than 1.5 million (Schmidt 1). In 2002, the estimated cost of ...... middle of paper ......n. Upper Downers and All Arounders. 6th ed. Ed. SNC Publications. Medford, Oregon: CNS Publications, 2007. Print. “Investing in Addiction Treatment/A Policy Makers’ Discussion.” » (2003) United Nations Drug Control Program. The Office of Drugs and Crime. The United Nations. Internet. July 1, 2010. Price, Virginia. “Continuum of Substance Abuse Treatment in the North Carolina Department of Corrections.” » North Carolina Medical Journal. 10.1 (2009) 62-65. Internet. July 1, 2010. “Principles of Substance Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations | A research-based guide. » National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007. Web. July 1, 2010. Schmidt, Guy. “Drug Addiction Treatment in the Criminal Justice System” (March 2001). ONDCP Drug Policy Information Center. Office of National Drug Control Policy. Internet. July 1 2001.