It is the policy of this state that alcoholics, intoxicated persons or drug addicts may not be subjected to criminal prosecution or incarceration solely because of their consumption of alcoholic beverages or addiction to drugs but rather should be afforded treatment in order that they may lead normal lives as productive members of society.
The legislature hereby finds and declares that it is essential to the health and welfare of the people of this state that action be taken by state government to effectively and economically utilize federal and state funds for alcoholism and drug addiction research, and the prevention and for the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics or drug addicts. To achieve this, it is necessary that existing fragmented, uncoordinated and duplicative alcoholism and drug treatment programs be merged into a comprehensive and integrated system for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics.
The legislature continues to recognize the need for criminal sanctions for those who violate the provisions of the uniform controlled substances act.