As he nears the end of a 20-year prison sentence, Dr. Garrett argues in this talk that we must reverse the criminalization of addiction and seek more effective ways for treating affected individuals. He says that mass incarceration is a symptom of addiction. Addicts, in an effort to support their addiction, commit crimes. In fact, seventy-five percent of all incarcerated individuals have substance-abuse issues. If there is a systemic shift which focuses on treatment, alternative sentences, character education, and rehabilitation rather than simply punishment, there will be a tremendous reduction in recidivism, which will greatly reduce the epidemic proportions of mass incarceration. Dr. Ronald D. Garrett is the Business Development Coordinator for Knewskill, a company dedicated to developing learners into adaptable, collaborative, problem solvers with the entrepreneurial drive to perform and evolve at the speed of work. In 2017, Garrett, along with a core leadership team, designed, and implemented the Katie J. Wright re-entry dorm program at Phillips State Prison. This program focuses on equipping men with the soft skills necessary to be successful upon reintegration into society. During his incarceration, Garrett earned a BA in Theology (2003), Master of Ministry (2009), and a Doctor of Ministry (2012). On September 4, 2018, he will be released from Augusta Transitional Center after completing a twenty-year prison sentence. Garrett’s vision for the future is to plant a Purpose Driven Church, specifically to meet the needs of returning citizens and their families. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx