Merry Christmas to you Jackie. You are spot on with one minor correction. Alcoholics are never "cured". At least the majority of them are not, they, at least those who continue to remain sober are in recovery. AA does great things, it is free, and it allows folks who participate in the program to live day to day without having to use alcohol. I also agree with you about it being cheaper to treat then  to imprison but the person must be willing to accept the treatment and put forth the effort. The courts can compel folks into treatment but it is still incumbent to put forth the effort to remain clean and sober.  Have a peace filled day.