People who repeatedly get drunk in public need intensive support, not jail time, according to a new study out of the University of Calgary.

The report makes the case for decriminalizing public intoxication, arguing that incarceration doesn't get to the heart of the matter for people who battle the bottle.

"Drunk tanks are holding cells," said Alina Turner, the author of the report. "There's not necessarily a treatment plan that police can help someone with. That's not their business."

Turner says the study didn't look at the party crowd that emerges during Stampede and summer festivals. Instead, it focused on those stuck in cycle of addiction.

Clients suffering from addiction who used the services of Alpha House for a year spent 90 per cent fewer days in jail, says the author of the new report. (Jon Worth/CBC)

"Rather than taking that person into custody and using those resources that are costly to police, police could be doing other things in those instances. Is there a better way at addressing the safety needs of the person being detained while curbing system costs as well?"

Turner looked at a group that received intensive support for a year from Alpha House, a not-for-profit Calgary organization that runs a shelter, detox and program.

"Let's say the person does sober up the next day and says 'You know what? I actually want to do something about this.' Well then, Alpha House's staff are on site and can facilitate the addiction recovery process," said Turner.

The results from the group studied at Alpha House were outstanding, said Turner.

Overall, 90 per cent spent fewer days in jail and had 70 per cent less interactions with police.

That lead to 40 per cent fewer court appearances.

A 50 per cent decrease in EMS ambulances use and days spent in hospitals.

Fewer visits to the emergency room — a 40 per cent decrease overall.

Turner says the report proves that organizations like Alpha House, which already exist in cites across Canada, are extremely effective at reducing the cost to thepublic system and increasing the well being for those living with addiction.