It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state to recognize alcoholism and drug abuse as illnesses and public health problems affecting the health, safety, morals, economy and general welfare of the state; to recognize alcoholism and drug abuse as illnesses subject to medical treatment and other therapeutic intervention and abatement; and to recognize that the sufferer of alcoholism and drug abuse is entitled to treatment and rehabilitation. The purpose of this act is to establish means whereby the appropriate resources of this state may be most fully and effectively focused upon the problems of alcoholism and drug abuse and utilized in implementing programs for the control and treatment of these illnesses.