Is it better to inaccurate drug offenders than to put them in rehabilitation?
Well let’s see take the average crack head let’s call him Joe. He is busted for Methamphetamine use. He goes to court; by this being his first time convicted Joe gets 1-5 years for possession. He goes to prison, and meets bubba who certainly doesn’t care nor encourages Joe to stay clean. Joes comes out of jail more confused and discouraged to stay clean because he has not been supported or educated. Joe goes on a Meth binge, and starts the cycle all over. So how is this scenario working out for us so far? I consider drug use a disease. Like any disease drug addiction should be treated not covered up like a band-aid. The problem will always be there and never heal. I often wonder why diseases like alcoholism, and drug addiction gets a bad stigma, whereas cancer, heart disease get 3 page spreads, color coordinated TV ads, with award winning theme songs, get all the love. Don’t get me wrong I admire the idea that people are getting on board more for health related illnesses, but we need to stop picking and choosing the disorder that’s in fashion this season. Anyway back to the topic at hand. We spend over $20,000 dollars a year to incarcerate drug offenders. According to Justice Department statistician Allen Beck, drug offenders currently account for nearly 60% of all inmates, as opposed to 25% in 1980. This is taxpayer money that you and I pay every year. Now the cost of outpatient methadone treatment is $7,000 per admission. You do the math. The offenders in most case are young, and at times can be better served by counseling and treatment. Jail time only ensures they remain in the surroundings of crime and drugs that brought them to the court. Drug treatment, education, job training, housing and family counseling can reach the foundation of their troubles. If you know someone who needs help with a drug addiction call the Drug & Alcohol Treatment Referral National Hot line at: 1-800-662-4357.
Desi,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog this week. Your approach to answering your question was a good idea. I liked that you told a story and gave us a scenario to think about. The statistics you used really made me think about what my answer would be to this question. After thinking about it I agree with you that I would rather rehabilitate someone than lock them up with no program to help them understand a better path to take. Granted not everyone will want to be rehabilitated but I think they should have the option. Great points.
Stephanie
Thanks stephanie
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that putting a drug offender in jail is just surrounding them with more of their peers of bad influence. As long as the rehabilitation program is monitored properly and treats the whole person I think that option is much better.
ReplyDelete~Tiffany C.
Great blog as always Desi!!! You hit on several important facts. Drug addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. I am an advocate for rehabilitating individuals in prison for drug related offenses. For many prisoners this is the only chance at recovery they may get. I believe that drug rehab should be a part of the sentence to be served while incarcerated. While there are such programs offered to inmates many of the programs are getting cut.
ReplyDeleteYou are also correct that we or rather the media, insurance companies, and drug companies picks and chooses what disorder or illness to focus on. There is a lot more money to be made in the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease than there is in drug rehabilitation.
Michelle Dukes
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on drug addiction is a disease and should be treated like one because just locking a drug offender would not help that much. Rather getting them help like going for rehab will help improve their life.