LETTER: Enforced alcoholism treatment could help deter DWI tragedies

To Ozaukee Press:

The heart-rending story of young Layden Rosario-Muphy’s struggle to recover from injuries due to a collision with a motorist, allegedly under the influence of alcohol deserves all of the coveraged it received in Ozaukee Press. It also warrants a more nuanced consideration.

The family and community have lost Mike Murphy. No one can replace the loving relationship Layden had with his grandfather. However, that same issue of Ozaukee Press covered an arrest of a driver with multiple DWIs. A prison sentence and fine were levied. That’s the protocol. Let’s look deeper.

Such illegal behavior is nearly always the result of a disease we call alcoholism. Like other illnesses (cancer, neuropathy, arthritis) it is treatable. Why not enforce a treatment program after a single DWI? This could be monitored by behavioral health workers in conjunction with law enforcement.

Why fill our prisons with individuals who suffer from a common illness? More importantly, why wait until the seventh or even the second, DWI to curtail their driving? Layden and his family deserve every bit of financial and loving support they are receiving and more. They, and far too many others, also deserve a change in how DWIs are handled.

Elsbeth Henry       

Port Washington