Pennsylvania Statutes Title 61 Pa.C.S.A. Prisons and Parole § 4102. Findings and purpose

(1) Many crimes are committed by persons who, because of their addiction to drugs or alcohol, are unable to maintain gainful employment.

(2) These persons often commit crimes as a means of obtaining the funds necessary to purchase drugs or alcohol.

(3) Many persons commit crimes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol even though they are not addicted to such substances in a clinical sense.

(4) Punishing persons who commit crimes is an important aspect of recognizing the harm that criminals visit upon their victims.

(5) Many people who commit crimes will be able to become law-abiding, contributing members of society if they are able to obtain treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction or abuse.

(6) The purpose of this chapter is to create a program that punishes persons who commit crimes, but also provides treatment that offers the opportunity for those persons to address their drug or alcohol addiction or abuse and thereby reduce the incidents of recidivism and enhance public safety.