Any inhabitant of this state may petition the board of supervisors of the county, wherein any indigent person addicted to the excessive use of any intoxicating liquors or of morphia, laudanum, cocaine, opium or other narcotics to such an extent as to become an habitual drunkard, resides, for leave to send such drunkard, at the expense of the county, to any reputable institute for the treatment of such cases, designated by such board of supervisors under the conditions hereinafter contained, which petition shall set forth the name, age and condition of such drunkard, that such drunkard is not financially able to incur the expense of such treatment, and that such habitual drunkard is willing and has agreed to attend such institute for the cure of drunkenness, which petition shall be verified by the person making such request and shall contain in addition thereto the written agreement of such drunkard to take such treatment, if allowed by the board, and a further statement signed by 3 reputable taxpayers of the county, and the supervisor of the township, ward or village, where such drunkard resides, stating that they are familiar with the facts set forth in the petition and with the financial circumstances of the drunkard and that they deem it a proper case for such action by the board of supervisors.

     When such petition is filed, the board of supervisors may, if satisfied that the facts set forth in the petition are true, make and enter into a contract with the institution for the cure of such cases, for the treatment of the same, and the said board of supervisors shall order that the expense for the treatment, not exceeding 100 dollars, be paid out of the county treasury in the manner that other claims and bills against the county are paid.

     A drunkard, as defined herein, shall include all persons who use alcoholic, spirituous, malt, brewed, fermented or vinous liquors, or morphia, laudanum, cocaine, opium or other narcotic to such an extent as to deprive him or her of a reasonable degree of self-control.

     Such contract with such institute for the cure of said cases shall be made and entered into with one which is located in the state of Michigan, that can satisfy said board that not less than 75 per cent of the persons having taken a full course of treatment, consisting of not less than 4 weeks, have been cured and have remained cured for at least 1 year thereafter.

     Any person who shall be treated at any institute under the provisions of this statute may at any time reimburse the county by paying to the county treasurer the amount thereof, and the treasurer shall give him a receipt for the amount so paid, which receipt shall state that such payment is for reimbursement, as aforesaid, and the amount so paid shall be turned into the general fund.