It’s becoming increasingly common for people arrested for the possession of drugs to be sent to a rehabilitation center rather than prison. Not only are prisons in the U.S. overflowing with drug offenders (over 50 percent of offenders in U.S. prisons and jails have a substance use disorder), but if people are punished without receiving the treatment they need, it’s more likely than not that they will relapse as soon as they are released.
Court ordered rehab programs offer assistance to nonviolent offenders who do not have a prior criminal record, have completed an evaluation with a mental health professional, and have demonstrated that they can benefit from rehab. If an individual agrees to the court-mandated therapy and then fails to follow through, they will likely face, at a minimum, the sentence they would have received previously. This may even be increased at the discretion of the judge based on the offender’s failure to complete the program.
At the end of 2014, there were 3,057 drug courts in the United States. These varied by type, with adult drug courts the most prevalent, accounting for just over half of all drug courts. Juvenile drug courts composed 14 percent, family drug courts 10 percent, veterans’ treatment courts 9 percent, and DUI courts 9 percent.
It is possible for a person to be ordered to rehab if they’re turned in by someone who has seen them using drugs. This process is similar to an intervention because the addict is presented with an ultimatum to seek help or face serious consequences. In the case of court-ordered treatment, however, these consequences are set by the legal system and can include facing prosecution for drug-related crimes. Some critics of this method caution of the long-term impact it can have on relationships. If you turn your friend or loved one in for using drugs, it may make them feel betrayed and like they can no longer trust you.
Unfortunately, these court-ordered treatments are not always up to the proper standards. Only 4.6 percent of people referred to opioid treatment programs by U.S. courts received methadone or buprenorphine, compared with almost 41 percent of patients outside the criminal justice system. Substance abuse treatment services are provided to clients in 86.8 percent of all courts overall and 95.5 percent of all drug courts. Integrated treatment for both substance abuse and mental health services are provided to clients in 60.4 percent of all courts and 62.5 percent of all drug courts. Medication as a treatment strategy is available in 28.1 percent of all courts and only 22.5% of all drug courts.
Another problem is that someone who is forced into treatment might be lacking motivation because they refuse to believe that they have a problem.
If you or a loved one need help to quit drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
