The connection between the criminal justice system and those struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) is strong. Many people in the criminal justice system—in jail, prison, or on probation—are there because of substance abuse. With the growth of inmates with a SUD, many prisons offer substance addiction treatment.
In some cases, the person is court-mandated to attend, but others participate because they want to learn how to live a drug-free life. While these alcohol or drug treatment groups are beneficial, an alternative to prison treatment is substance addiction treatment outside of the prison setting.
An unfortunate side effect of a SUD is the potential temptation to engage in criminal activity. Some people spend money they do not have to obtain their preferred substance, while others steal from loved ones or rob strangers. The cost to society extends beyond robbery or theft.
The price also includes human aspects like risky behaviors that cause harm to them or others. For example, driving while intoxicated leads to financial, legal, and human injury. Crimes like aggravated assault, robbery, or vehicular manslaughter require time spent in prison. However, residential or outpatient substance addiction treatment is an alternative to a minor, non-violent drug offense.
Does Substance Addiction Treatment Work in Prison?
Substance addiction treatment for those convicted of a minor, non-violent drug offense can occur in a community or residential setting. However, not everyone sentenced to prison has committed petty crimes. For this reason, accessibility to alcohol or drug treatment in prison is essential. Comprehensive substance addiction treatment in the prison setting works.
Extensive research shows that comprehensive substance addiction treatment can reduce criminal activity and drug use once a person with a SUD leaves prison. Therapy can also increase job productivity, heal damaged family relationships, and decrease recidivism, the act of repeatedly going back to jail or prison. In addition, without proper treatment, a person may have an increased risk of overdose or death.
Are There Challenges to Treatment in Prison?
There are always challenges when providing treatment to a person with a SUD. For someone in jail or prison, their treatment must start when they are incarcerated and continue after completing their sentence.
Whether a person receives treatment in prison or in a residential or outpatient setting, aftercare is essential to maintain sobriety. Without aftercare or involvement in groups focused on sober living, the risk of relapse will increase. Becoming active in a sober community provides support and a sense of belonging. Also, many support groups offer opportunities to become a sponsor and aid a person in their recovery process.
Without all-inclusive substance addiction treatment, those incarcerated will undergo withdrawal alone. Medically-supervised detoxification reduces the risk of harmful effects, including death. Another issue with not receiving treatment is that if a person does not drink or use drugs while in prison, their body will decrease its tolerance for substances. Unfortunately, without substance abuse education, a person does not know their body cannot tolerate the amount it did before going to jail, which could result in an overdose.
A final thought about inadequate substance addiction treatment: programs that do not address mental health disorders do not treat the whole person. In many cases, mental health disorders like depression, PTSD, or anxiety are underlying causes for substance use. It is often difficult to heal the person without healing the mind, especially if that person has a SUD.
What About Community-Based Care?
Community-based or private substance addiction treatment in a residential or outpatient setting is an alternative to incarceration for offenders with a minor, non-violent drug charge. The environment in a community-based treatment program provides the care and safety needed to begin the healing process. Comprehensive residential or outpatient programs provide structure and guidance throughout the treatment process. Many private residential or outpatient treatment programs include mental health therapy.
The differences between care received in prison and the community also include:
A loss of identity. When a person enters prison, they lose their identity as a musician, teacher, or CEO, and simply become a number. On the other hand, a person is in a community-based program that retains their identity and sense of self.
When a person goes to jail, they cannot afford to help with their family's financial needs. Community-based care can disrupt a person's financial ability in the short term, but after completing a program, a person can resume employment. An added note: community-based care does not require clients to tell their employer they received treatment for a SUD. Prison time will follow a person throughout their life and limit employment opportunities.
Perhaps one of the essential distinctions between prison and community-based care is proximity to family. Community-based care encourages the family to be involved in their loved one's treatment. Family therapy provides education and improves family communication.
People, not money, should be the force behind the criminal justice system's treatment of those with a substance use disorder. Comprehensive substance addiction treatment programs work. Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for a community-based or private substance addiction treatment program. Many can't go to a private treatment center unless a person has a minor, non-violent crime. Whether a person receives substance addiction treatment while incarcerated or in a community-based setting, comprehensive care decreases the risk of relapse. Substance addiction treatment has the potential to reduce the risk of relapse or committing a crime. Monte Cristo Recovery provides men with the opportunity to receive the first step in a substance addiction program: detoxification services. Our comfortable location in Orange County, California, treats the whole person. We mark the importance of preserving the dignity and identity of our clients throughout the withdrawal process. We encourage you to take a step away from harmful behaviors by contacting us at (714) 824-9896.