Punish or Treat: Addiction in Today’s Criminal Justice World

Addiction is dangerous and can quickly lead to a myriad of issues. Among these can be a sharp decline in health, difficulties with family and friends, and in some cases, incarceration or death. Unfortunately, addiction and the criminal justice system are often intertwined. The Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights estimates about half of inmates meet the DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence. In another study from 2004, 50% of inmates admitted to drug use in the month before their arrest per report. Drug abuse runs rampant in the criminal justice world, and how we manage it can help hundreds of thousands of addicts.

Broken Cycle

Many will agree that the cycle of addiction and incarceration is flawed from the get-go. Receiving treatment can be difficult for any addict; financially, physically and emotionally. Addicts, particularly those involved in the opioid crisis, have been dying at alarmingly high rates. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies continue to dish out billions of opioids per year. Within the system, few are able to receive the level of care they require. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University predicts only 11% of inmates who need substance abuse treatment actually receive it. Further, once released from prison or jail, relapse is common. Some groups who do not receive treatment are more likely to have negative unemployment rates. Plus, welfare systems purposely exclude those with drugrelated offenses from receiving the same benefits as others, such as food stamps, even if they have completed their sentence, overcome their addiction and received an official rehabilitation certificate. It is clear that in order to break this inoperable cycle a significant amount of reform needs to be done.

It’s Time for Resolve

Due to the nature of the criminal justice system and its role in the lives of addicts, an increasing need for reformation has developed. Addicts should receive proper care at the onset, to avoid further destruction and avoid jail time. Part of preventative reform includes destigmatizing addiction, restricting overmedication or improper medication sharing (such as between family members), and fostering education. Treatment programs for those who already identify as addicts in the criminal system likewise need development. Perhaps one of the most beneficial treatment plans would include implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT pairs behavioral therapies with FDA-approved medicines that can reduce cravings, lessen withdrawal symptoms and help block the effects of other narcotics. Unfortunately, MAT is still fighting for recognition even outside of prison, despite its history of successes and strong approval rates. Additionally, reacclimating into society can bring its own set of challenges. Education programming, mental health counseling, and addiction treatment are vital throughout the process.

New Beginnings

The threads of addiction and criminal justice are constantly, and often unjustly, interwoven. These topics need to be addressed with urgency and accompanied by immediate policy change. It’s time for a new era of treating addicts with care and not criminality.