Substance Abuse and Addiction in Prison
Substance abuse and drug addiction doesn't stop just because a person has been incarcerated in a jail or prison. The symptoms of acute withdrawal and post acute withdrawal can continue for long after a prisoner has completed his sentence, leading to a high likelihood of relapse upon release. Additionally, drugs are readily available in most prisons, with complete control over inmate populations being nearly impossible. As a result many addicts never stop using while they are in prison. And because so few prisons offer drug treatment programs, many prisoners are doomed to relapse and commit repeat offenses when they are released back to society.
The idea that simply warehousing criminals in prisons is sufficient enough to protect society is seriously flawed. There is as much crime and drug use in prison as there is on the streets – in some cases more. Drugs are smuggled into prisons and jails by visitors, and sometimes either directly by guards or prison officials, or with their cooperation. Drugs can also be smuggled in through the mail despite the best detection methods available. In some cases outsiders will leave drugs where prisoners can get them, such as buried near fences in recreation areas.
As a result of this some prisoners may never even experience detox while in prison because their drug of choice is so readily available. And with this lack of rehabilitation, addicts are often even more dangerous than when they committed their initial crimes. This is a disturbing problem considering that more than half of all prisoners in the US have a history of substance abuse.
Despite the prevalence of drug abuse and addiction among inmate populations, very few are offered treatment. Most prison systems simply do not have the money to fund these programs and there is a distinct lack of public, private or charitable funds to carry out such programs without the aid of federal or state governments. Politicians generally view drug addiction treatment for prisoners as a luxury with no real merit. When states are forced to make cutbacks, funding for any such rehabilitation programs are generally the first to disappear. Public opinion of special programs for prisoners is also generally not favorable.
Most prisons and jails recognize the merit of drug addiction treatment programs for prisoners. The reduction of recidivism rates has been shown time and time again in inmate populations that do receive substance abuse treatment. These prisoners go on to lead productive lives, and even those that commit crimes again are far less likely to commit a violent crime than inmates that receive no treatment. And because so many prisoners are serving time for drug offenses, thousands fewer would re-enter the prison system each year if they could get treatment.
Despite attempts by most prisons and jails to obtain funding for treatment programs and to institute strict drug control measures, addiction and incarceration seem nearly synonymous with one another. Because treatment in prison is unlikely, it's important to get help now if you or someone you love is suffering from addiction. And because of the extreme risks involved with drugs and prison, getting help now could literally mean the difference between life and death.
If you need help with addiciton and want to avoid prison, we can help. Our Florida Alcohol Rehab and Drug Addiciton center is known as one of the most successful in the country and can work with you to keep you out of trouble.
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Jarvey is a lifelong journalist and professional writer who specializes in the fields of drug abuse, addiciton and alcoholism.