When individuals are arrested for alcohol or drug related offenses, they might be eligible for programs designed to help them recover from addiction instead of serving a jail term. These programs require offenders to undergo mandatory treatment for addiction. The treatment is motivated, supervised, or ordered by the criminal justice system.
This approach is aimed at offering offenders a chance to undergo treatment instead of going to jail. The approach is generally controversial both practically and ethically. Some people argue that programs do not present effective or favorable settings for treatment. As such, it should be replaced by evidence-informed, voluntary and rights-based social and health services within the community.
Basically, some people are opposed to court-ordered rehab (learn more here) on constitutional and philosophical grounds because some offenders are forced to undergo treatment against their will. However, some individuals suggest that it is the best approach for people that would otherwise not receive treatment for addiction.
Why Drug Criminals Are Mandated to the Drug Rehabs
Research indicates that inmates continue their drugs and alcohol use after being released from prison. This indicates that incarcerating offenders may not be the best way to curb the addiction problem. Treatment, on the other hand, provides a better way to break the addiction cycle.
As such, courts order offenders to undergo complete treatment for drug addiction as an alternative to jail time or as a less severe sentence. The aim is to ensure that the offenders do not go to jail and back to alcohol and drug abuse after serving their sentence.
What is the Point of Court Ordered Treatment?
Court mandated treatment for drug addiction can be beneficial in reducing substance abuse cost for society. According to The Atlanta, this treatment leads to return on investment that can hit $27 in terms of savings for criminal just fees and healthcare expenses. It also saves on future victimization for each $1 that is spent on specialized court proceedings and treatment. What’s more, this treatment can help the afflicted persons and their families. It also saves the society and tax payers’ money down the road.
When a person agrees to undergo treatment for addiction instead of serving a jail term, their sentence can be reduced. Their criminal records can also be expunged after undergoing court mandated rehab fully.
When It Works and When It Doesn’t
When some people hear the term “compulsory” or “coerced”, they think about a person being forced to enroll for a treatment program against their will. Some people argue that the major reason for seeking addiction treatment among offenders is legal pressure. This increases treatment time and attendance leading to improved outcomes. However, treatment effectiveness is largely dependent on the willingness of an individual to participate fully and accept change. To be successful, the effort of the offenders should be put into recovery.
It’s important to note that research indicates that there are many offenders that want treatment for addiction even when it is mandated by the court. What’s more, most individuals that undergo treatment for addiction as mandated by the court have better or equal outcomes with those who seek treatment voluntarily.
Treatment with the best outcomes lasts for 90 days. Essentially, individuals that spend a minimum of 3 months in rehab or therapy have significantly lower rates of criminal behavior and drug abuse.
Why Is It an Important Part of the Judicial System?
The United States has 5% of the global population. However, it has about a quarter of the global prisoners. Maintaining this lockdown level costs the country more than $80 billion every year. This means the U.S is spending a fortune to keep people in jail.
For this reason, the U.S and the judicial system has come up with diversionary programs for reducing prisoners. The role of drug courts is to handle drug related offenses with the aim of improving the offenders’ outcomes.
The judicial system through drug courts aims at influencing offenders by sentencing them to undergo court ordered drug treatment. This treatment varies depending on the addictive substance, severity of the committed offense, and addiction level.
What Are the Benefits?
When the court orders a person to undergo treatment for addiction, a team of lawyers, a judge, healthcare providers, therapists, and case managers is assembled. This team works with the offender to make sure that they undergo effective treatment for drug addiction while complying with the law. The intention is to give the offender a complete therapeutic experience.
The treatment team maintains ongoing communication while encouraging the family and friends to support the offender during therapy and hearings until they are discharged. When completed successfully, this treatment leads to healthier lifestyles, improved relationships, as well as financial savings and management.
The Bottom Line
Effectiveness of court mandated treatment for addiction remains a controversial topic. However, it enables an individual to avoid jail time when completed successfully. It also comes with numerous personal, financial, and social benefits.
About the Author
Jaffrey Buckley is a columnist who focuses on drug use/abuse in the sport. His works aim to prevent athletes from improper drug use showing the consequences of abuse.
