What are the social problems created by the criminalization of drugs and alcohol?

It wastes money, creates a toxic relationship between police and their communities, and, in the long run, does nothing to combat problematic drug use.

Explanation:

Many incarcerated on drug/alcohol charges are non-violent offenders, meaning they did not commit a violent crime but rather broke a drug or alcohol related law. Throwing these offenders in jail or prison rather than putting them in a rehab program or some other form of rehabilitation is a waste of taxpayer money that could be use in more beneficial ways. Drug addicts and alcoholics that are incarcerated are likely to reoffend due to the fact most recieve no rehabilitation in jail or prison and are released back into the "free world" on their own with little to no support.

Due to the fact many disagree and oppose our country's drug laws today, mass incarceration related to the criminalization of drugs and alcohol creates a toxic relationship between law enforcement and the communties they are supposed to protect.