In 1987, the American Medical Association (AMA) classified addiction as a disease. Prior to that, addiction was known merely as an “illness”. Despite being identified as a disease for more than thirty years, addiction is still highly stigmatized as being a personal choice. For those who have never experienced addiction in any capacity, seeing someone they loved struggle with it can be mind-boggling — “How can someone keep using when they are causing so much damage?” This is a common thought of many, especially because ending use often appears simpler than it really is.
The truth of the matter is that the disease of addiction is not a choice, rather a progressive disease of the brain. And unfortunately, many of those who are hooked on drugs and alcohol find themselves at a crossroads between treatment or incarceration. Fortunately, Hathaway Recovery offers drug court programming for individuals who are deciding between treatment or incarceration.
Incarceration and Addiction
In 2016, slightly less than 16% of the entire incarcerated population in the United States were serving time for a drug offense. The most common drug offenses include:
- Possession of controlled substances
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession with intent to sell
- Drug manufacturing and cultivation
These and other drug offenses carry sentences that range from a few years to live in prison. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), someone in America is arrested every 25 seconds for drug possession. And while not everyone who is arrested for drug possession is addicted to drugs, there are many people who are.
Unfortunately, when someone goes to jail for a drug crime, it is likely that if they were already addicted to drugs that they will remain addicted to drugs. There is also a high possibility that if they didn’t have an addiction to drugs prior to incarceration that they will develop one behind bars.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 65% of the United States prison rate has a substance use disorder. Another 20% did not meet the criteria needed for a diagnosis of a substance use disorder but were drunk or high at the time of their arrest.
Incarceration Does More Harm Than Good
Placing individuals into jails or prisons as a result of a drug crime related to their addiction often results in further substance abuse as opposed to rehabilitation. As mentioned before, more than half of the prison population is addicted to drugs, making it an environment that is not conducive to wellness and recovery. That does not mean that people cannot get sober while incarcerated, however, it does mean that the challenge of doing so is much greater in this setting. Several factors within prisons work against recovery, including the following:
- Drug trafficking and dealing
- Consistent use of illegal drugs and alcohol by other inmates
- Being forced into dealing by other inmates
- Being tempted to use again due to the overwhelming strife of being imprisoned
Drugs are no strangers to prisons. In fact, many inmates make their money by trafficking in and dealing drugs. Being a dealer affords an inmate clout among their peers, giving them a top-dog status and some protection from others. Getting involved in dealing and using while in prison is simply inevitable for some, especially for those who are attracted to the life of drug dealing and using.
Even though prisons are hotbeds for addiction, there are several people who are sent to prison and who have gotten sober while there. Many prisons offer treatment services for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, as well as 12-Step meetings and other group therapies. As one can imagine, however, getting the strength to accept treatment while in a place like a prison is an insurmountable challenge for some. That is because the environment in prisons are suppressive and include the following:
- Limited access to the outdoors
- Supervision while doing most things, including using the bathroom
- Small cells, often without windows
- Constant sound/chaos/ruckus caused by other inmates in the block
- Presence of violent inmates
- Mean and/or aggressive corrections officers
Recovery is not simple. Being incarcerated while trying to get sober adds a thick, nearly impenetrable layer to an already complex situation. That is why treatment, not incarceration, is recommended for those facing jail time due to drug charges.
Treatment or Incarceration?
Addiction treatment has proven time and time again to help addicted individuals overcome their struggles with active addiction. That is because professional addiction treatment offers the following benefits:
- Licensed and compassionate medical and mental health professionals
- Clean, quiet, and secure environment
- Freedom to move about the facility as desired
- Access to phones, computers, mail, etc. so patients can remain in touch with loved ones (if in residential treatment)
- Comfortable living quarters (if in residential care)
- Ability to continue to live at home while getting treatment (if in outpatient treatment)
- Access to others who are actively participating in their recovery, too
- Ability to develop a strong support system among other patients and family
These are just some of the many benefits of getting professional treatment as opposed to being incarcerated for drug activity. In a treatment program, regardless of if it is residential or outpatient, individuals are looked at with hope and promise. As opposed to people with a dark past and an even darker future.
The negative stigma surrounding addiction is still alive and well, especially in reserved, conservative places like jails and prisons. While there are certainly jails and prisons with great treatment programming, the vast majority of them require deep reform. Thankfully, people pay more and more attention to the placement of drug offenders in treatment facilities as opposed to jails.
Addiction Treatment in Claremont, California
While there is great promise for the future regarding the treatment of addicted drug offenders, there are still countless challenges facing addicted individuals in America (especially those connected to criminal behavior). Don’t let the choice of getting treatment or going to jail come down to the courts. Hathaway Recovery offers drug court programming. Call us right now. And learn more about how we can help you overcome your addiction and change your life on your terms.
