In 2007, the societal cost of drug abuse was estimated at $193 billion, with $113 billion attributed to drug-related crime and criminal justice expenses. In contrast, the National Drug Intelligence Center estimated that treating drug abuse costs less than $15 billion—just 13.2 percent of the costs associated with drug-related crime. Not only is treatment more cost-effective, but it also proves to be significantly more effective in achieving sobriety compared to incarceration. Addressing drug abuse through treatment can provide a cost-efficient and impactful solution to a crisis that claims over 70,000 lives annually and incarcerates hundreds of thousands.
The Problem and How Local Drug Rehabs Can Help
Substance Use Disorder Treatment vs. Incarceration
Drug law violations are the leading criminal offense among the nearly 7 million individuals incarcerated in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A survey of federal and state prisoners revealed that approximately half meet the criteria for drug abuse and dependence.
The juvenile justice system faces similar challenges. In 2008, around 10 percent of the estimated 2.1 million juvenile arrests were related to drug abuse or underage drinking, and up to two-thirds of detained juveniles may have a substance use disorder.
Clearly, substance abuse is a significant issue within the justice system. But does incarceration effectively address and resolve drug abuse problems?
The short answer is no.
Many individuals in the U.S. prison system do not seek or receive treatment for their substance use disorders. A National Institute on Drug Abuse study found that, despite the high prevalence of substance abuse issues among prisoners, fewer than 20 percent receive treatment while incarcerated.
Without proper treatment, individuals are more likely to return to substance abuse after their release. According to the NIDA report,
“Untreated substance-abusing offenders are more likely to relapse and revert to criminal behavior, leading to re-arrest and re-incarceration. This not only jeopardizes public health and safety but also strains criminal justice resources. Treatment is the most effective way to break the drug abuse/criminal justice cycle for those with substance abuse problems.”
Problems with Forced Abstinence
Former convicts often face challenges in maintaining sobriety due to various social, environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Simply enforcing abstinence during incarceration is insufficient for long-term recovery.
As stated, “Forced abstinence (when it occurs) is not treatment and does not cure addiction. Even those who have been abstinent for an extended period while incarcerated still need to learn how to avoid relapse.”
Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder in the Criminal Justice System
Providing treatment and education to offenders with substance abuse issues can drive meaningful change. The NIDA report highlights that collaboration between criminal justice personnel and treatment providers could significantly impact the nation’s drug problem.
Treatment programs tailored to the individual needs and challenges of offenders can be more effective. For instance, incarcerated women are more likely than men to have a history of substance abuse, so gender-specific programs might be more beneficial. Similarly, family involvement is crucial for juvenile detainees, making family therapy and interventions valuable for strengthening family bonds and reducing substance abuse and negative behaviors.
For those with drug dependence issues, psychiatric treatment or cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses “criminal thinking” can help alter the mindset that contributes to substance abuse.
Not everyone with a history of drug use requires intensive treatment. Less intensive interventions, such as addiction education and self-help group participation, can serve as preventative measures to avoid future substance abuse disorders.
The report concludes, “Drug abuse treatment is also effective for offenders with a history of serious and violent crime, particularly when they receive intensive, targeted services. The economic benefits, including reduced crime costs and victim expenses (e.g., medical costs, lost earnings, and diminished quality of life), can be substantial for these high-risk individuals.”
Public Health Benefits
In addition to the personal health benefits of achieving sobriety, drug treatment programs offer significant public health advantages, particularly for those involved in the criminal justice system. Individuals in this system are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS compared to the general population. A 2009 study revealed that 14 percent of people with HIV interact with the criminal justice system annually. Other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, also affect this population at higher rates.
Research from 2010 found that drug treatment could help reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV.
The study noted, “Clearly, drug treatment programs play a crucial role in controlling HIV spread and improving treatment in many communities worldwide. However, most drug users lack access to effective substance abuse treatments, even in more developed countries.”
Thus, engaging in drug treatment not only enhances individual health outcomes but can also help mitigate the spread of HIV and other diseases. For those who may not require full recovery but are still affected by diseases, assisting an infected inmate with the necessary paperwork for prescriptions upon release can help reduce treatment interruptions, according to NIDA.
The NIDA report recommends, “Community health, drug treatment, and criminal justice agencies should collaborate to provide education, screening, counseling, prevention, and treatment programs for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases for offenders reintegrating into the community.”
Legally Mandated Recovery
Legally mandated treatment is another approach for individuals convicted of drug-related crimes. The NIDA report indicates that outcomes for those compelled by legal pressure to enter treatment are often as good as, or sometimes better than, those who seek treatment voluntarily. Individuals under legal pressure generally show higher attendance rates and remain in treatment longer, which positively affects treatment outcomes.
Incentive-based treatment programs can also encourage positive behavior. Recognizing and rewarding progress can motivate individuals toward a responsible and sober lifestyle. Small acknowledgments, such as a congratulatory letter from a parole officer or material incentives like partial payment for professional clothing, can significantly aid those struggling with recovery.
The report adds, “The criminal justice system can often apply legal pressure to encourage participation in drug abuse treatment; or treatment can be mandated through a drug court or as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole. A significant portion of those entering drug abuse treatment cite legal pressure as a key motivator for seeking treatment.”
Relapse Risks
The goal of drug treatment and education extends beyond achieving sobriety; it also involves maintaining it. This includes educating individuals about the pressures that could lead to relapse and preparing them to handle these challenges. Drug-abusing offenders often face various issues—such as family difficulties, mental health problems, and social challenges—that can heighten their risk of relapse. Treatment providers must address these issues to reduce the likelihood of relapse and criminal recidivism.
According to the NIDA, “A coordinated approach by treatment and criminal justice staff offers the best strategy for identifying and addressing relapse triggers and other threats to recovery. Treatment is essential for equipping individuals with the skills needed to navigate situations that might lead to relapse.”
Treatment Duration
The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs, but longer treatment durations generally yield better outcomes. Research shows that treatment lasting more than 90 days results in significant reductions in drug abuse and criminal behavior. Legal pressures can encourage individuals to complete their treatment and enhance recovery rates.
The report notes, “Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse and return to treatment are common aspects of recovery. Therefore, treatment may need to extend over an extended period and include multiple episodes of care.”
Economic Impact
The financial burden of drug-related crime on the U.S. economy approaches $200 billion. The National Drug Intelligence Center report highlights that this cost is comparable to major chronic health issues, such as diabetes ($174 billion), smoking ($157 billion), and obesity ($147 billion). In contrast, providing treatment for these individuals instead of incarceration would cost approximately $14.6 billion. The NIDA report suggests that residential treatment within prison settings is also more cost-effective than post-release treatment.
The report states, “The greatest economic benefit of treatment comes from the reduction in crime-related costs, including incarceration and victimization expenses. For instance, administering methadone treatment to opioid-addicted prisoners before their release not only curtails drug use but also mitigates the significantly higher costs of imprisonment for drug-related offenses. Even more substantial economic benefits arise from treating offenders with both mental health issues and substance use disorders.”
Addressing Mental Health Disorders
Mental health issues can often underpin substance abuse, making it crucial to address these disorders during recovery to enhance treatment effectiveness. Medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of both, can be effective for treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
The report notes, “Many types of co-occurring mental health problems can be effectively managed within standard drug abuse treatment programs.”
Drug and alcohol abuse is a prevalent issue among individuals in the criminal justice system, yet current efforts to address these problems and prepare individuals for reintegration are insufficient. To reduce drug-related recidivism, collaboration between treatment centers and criminal justice personnel is essential. Such coordination not only benefits individuals but also offers a more cost-effective solution with significant public health advantages.
Next Steps
Sunrise Recovery is committed to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to sobriety. Our experienced team has the resources and expertise needed to guide you through the next phase of your life, promoting improved health and well-being. Explore our website to learn more about our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab facilities and how we can assist in your recovery.
