Addiction treatment or the realization of the need for it can come about by many different means. One of such is when an addict gets themselves involved with the criminal justice system through use of illicit drugs or criminal actions as a result of their drug use. The criminal justice system in the past has not always adjudicated correctly when it comes to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Many times addicts have simply been incarcerated, and many years of this has shown very low levels of success and high levels of recidivism back into crime, drugs, or both.
Over the past few years, this paradigm has begun to shift into the mindset that these individuals need addiction treatment, either in conjunction with their incarceration, or by bypassing imprisonment and placing them directly in treatment. This has been the shift that has been highly needed, as the criminal behavior displayed by people struggling with addiction is often times only due to their substance use rather than an actual criminal personality or intentions.
Effectiveness of Criminal Justice System Mandated Treatment
There has been speculation in regard to how effective it is when addicts are mandated or recommended into treatment as a stipulation of their sentence. While being forced into treatment may sound like something one may completely rebel against and receive no benefit, the results actually show the complete opposite. In fact, according to a research based guide from the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), titled “Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations,” “Most studies suggest that outcomes for those who are legally pressured to enter treatment are as good as or better than outcomes for those who entered treatment without legal pressure.” So while there was a concern of whether this was a valid action or not, studies have seemed to show that it can be of great benefit.
The effectiveness of court mandated treatment does depend upon the way in which it is done as well. There needs to be cooperation between a treatment center and the criminal justice system in the monitoring, placement, testing, and other factors so that the best outcome can be achieved. There has also been success shown when not only sanctions, but as well as rewards are implemented, which gives the person struggling with addiction and legal trouble incentive to overcome their addiction. The NIDA has laid out principles in regard to treatment for criminal justice populations that show ideals that need to be achieved which include the above.
Finding yourself or your loved one in legal trouble due to addiction can be a difficult situation due to the possible consequences. In this scenario, some have even made the dependency known to the courts in hopes that they will mandate treatment, though always consult with your lawyer or other legal professional before taking this route. This way, at the minimum, it is much more likely that the courts will recommend or mandate treatment. Some have even sought treatment prior to trial, so that when the time comes they can show this effort to the authorities.
Finding a Treatment Center for Addiction
Seeking help for yourself or a loved one with an addiction can be a difficult situation sometimes. Since there are so many different treatment types and centers all across the nation, it can be tough to figure out which one to choose, but we are here to help with precisely that. Our advisors are familiar with treatment centers across the country and can help guide you to the best fit for whoever is struggling. Give us a call today and we will help find the perfect private inpatient treatment center to fit you or your loved one.