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SALT LAKE CITY -- A group of recovering drug addicts is asking lawmakers not to cut a program that normally gets bipartisan support. Tuesday, the group held a Rally for Recovery in support of funding for the Drug Offender Rehabilitation Act, or DORA.
DORA offers treatment for offenders, rather than simply sending them to jail. Results show those offenders are less likely to re-offend, more likely to stay off drugs, and that it costs 35 percent less than jail alone.
"Without treatment programs, like I said, my life would be ended. It would be over," said Charles Vifquain, who is currently in recovery.
Cassie Contrys, who is also in recovery, said, "I thought the system wasn't very good. I didn't think they had anything for me, but they proved me wrong. It's helped a lot.
Like many programs, DORA could face budget challenges this year.Currently only a third of all drug offenders receive treatment.
