Court-Ordered Drug Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration (Juanita Darling)

We often hear that addicts have to hit rock bottom before they are willing to seek treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. But some people don't have that option. Recent estimates duly inform us that as many as 60 percent of the patients at rehabilitation centers across the nation have had troubled with the law as a result of their addiction. As the courts slowly begin to change their stance on drug and alcohol abuse, many of these addicts are being sentenced to court-ordered drug rehabilitation, rather than jail or prison.

Does it work?

In addition to the myth about having to hit bottom, many believe that rehab only works if the person seeks treatment of their own free will. But the numbers contradict this common canard. According to most experts and medical professionals, rehabilitation is effective whether the patient voluntarily seeks treatment or is forced to receive it by a judge. Furthermore, court-ordered drug rehabilitation has many advantages over jail or prison time.

What are they?

Numerous studies have should that when sent to prison, the average addict will remain sober for his stay, since there is no or little access to drugs or alcohol on the inside. But once he gets out, the addict will begin to abuse his substance of choice almost immediately. By comparison, addicts who are treated as patients rather than criminals are far more likely to remain clean and sober after their release. The reason this is simple--court-ordered drug rehabilitation helps them accept the fact that they have a problem and teaches them the skills they need to deal with it on the outside.

Studies have also found that a person with a history of drug abuse is far less likely to commit another crime if they are sentenced to rehab instead of jail or prison. This is reason enough for judges to strongly consider drug treatment as an option when a non-violent offender with a history of substance abuse comes before them.

How can it help?

As any former addict could tell you, the first step on the road to recovery is admitting that you have a problem, a sickness. The fact that a judge orders them to receive treatment instead of throwing them behind bars often makes most addicts take a long, hard look in the mirror. Then after they get clean and sober in detox, they may finally be ready to face their addiction and the issues that drive them to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Court-ordered drug rehabilitation also helps addicts connect with others who know exactly what they're through. The understanding, support, and encouragement they receive during group and individual therapy sessions often gives them the confidence and self-respect they need to confront a problem that once seemed overwhelming.

The cost

Arguably the most controversial aspect of court-ordered drug rehabilitation is the cost. Although incarceration certainly isn't cheap, doctors and therapist make a lot more than prison guards, which means rehab is more expensive. However, when we consider the lower recidivism rates for addicted patients, forced drug treatment is almost certainly cheaper.

A private, for-profit law firm, Addiction Recovery Legal Services, LLC, helps families and loved ones deal with addiction through the Florida Marchman Act. Under this law drug and alcohol abusers can be compelled to receive court-ordered drug rehabilitation. For more information on forced drug treatment, please visit http://www.arlshelp.com.