Addiction is a problem that leads to many people struggling with alcohol abuse. In society, this is often looked down upon, but things are changing. People who struggle with addiction need support, not time in prison.
In today’s judicial world, drug courts make it possible to trade in time in prison for time in a rehabilitation clinic. Nonviolent offenders get a chance to reduce their penalties by getting the help they need.
How are drug courts changing lives?
Drug courts are an important aspect of the judicial system. With so many people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, there is no question that it would be easy to send them to prison for their actions.
However, sending a person to prison doesn’t treat the underlying issue. Individuals who have DUIs and drug charges against them do need support and assistance to break free from the cycle of abuse. Without court-ordered treatment, this often does not happen.
Drug courts reduce costs
Drug courts also help reduce costs associated with sending a person to prison. Punishments may cost thousands, even though they don’t always reduce the likelihood of a person committing a second crime.
That money has to come from somewhere. Most commonly, it’s from everyday tax payers. Imprisonment costs as much as $60,000 per inmate per year. Inpatient rehabilitation can be as little as $3,000 and up to $30,000. No matter how you look at it, it’s a savings to get people the help they need instead of sending them to prison.
Drug courts reduce prison populations
Drug courts have a goal of reducing the prison population. To do this, they aim to reduce the risk of re-offending once a person goes through treatment. During the program, patients have to stay sober and attend meetings regularly with the judge.
Since the program takes time, patients often understand the benefit of the help they’re receiving and make a change for the better. That’s good for society and for the prison population.
Rehabilitation is making waves in today’s world, a place where people struggle with addiction every day. Getting the right help makes a difference for the public, the judicial system and prison population as well as for the offender. It’s a good idea to look into this as an option if you are charged with a drug or DUI offense, because it could be your way to obtain helpful treatment.
