New studies show that putting drug offenders into jail rather than rehab may create a "revolving door scenerio". I feel that drug rehab offers a solution to the problem where jail can just escalate the problem.
"The report conclusively shows that millions of taxpayers' money is being wasted by putting people in jail when some should be in treatment programs," Dr Herron said on ABC radio.
Generally speaking, treatment works and all the evidence suggests that putting people into treatment is not a softer option but a better option.
Read More…
It remarkable that this country continues to turn a “blind eye” to the real problem in America. Studies show that 88% percent of inmates suffer from addiction/alcoholism and lack the resources to pay for drug rehab programs. As a country we need to open our eyes and provide services for the sick.
In the end it will save taxpayers money, reduce crime, and produce valuable members of society.
Sometimes I reflect on my pass and think to myself what type of person I would be today if I would have gone to prison rather than treatment. I would be about three years in on a ten year prison term. I truly believe that things would have just gotten worst for me. When I think about the person that I was before recovery, it terrifies me! When I was using I sold drugs, was involved in gang activities, ran the streets carrying guns, drove recklessly with complete disregard for others and if anyone had something to me about my behaviors they had just created a problem for themselves. Today I work with young adults in recovery that are traveling a similar path as me. I’m a family man and have a totally different perspective on life. I live a life full of gratitude, service and give away what was so freely given to me…
I agree with what Dr. Herron says. Jail only puts the problem on hold for addicts. Some may be able to say I don’t want to go to jail again and quit using. But if they are like I was, I’d be more careful to not get caught again. But eventually I would, or die. Jail only prolongs the disaster.
The question becomes level of care and length of program. Will we be willing to commit monies to the treatment of addiction and a continuium of care in ongoing recovery.
I am a recovering addict. I spent two years in a program prison and then went to a resadential rehab at release for 8 months. Spent five months in sober living. I am mentally ill and was physically abused as a child. I have stayed clean and sober. I had a stroke a couple of years ago. I have not been able to care for myself. I am enrolled in College and getting good grades. A government grant has paid for that. I need alittle help to get on my feet.
I am a recovering addict and I know that for me jail was just not my thing. If I would have had to have spent any more time in jail than what I did I probably would’t be where Iam at today, but because the judge gave me the option to do a rehab program I am still curently drug testing but now I have my own car, a place of my own to live with me and my 2 year old daughter and I am a full time student.