Justice Navigator
Addiction, Recovery, and the Justice System
Understanding substance use, how it affects people, and how to find help.
Addiction is a Disease
The most important thing to know is that addiction is a treatable medical disease. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It changes how the brain works, making it very hard for a person to stop using a substance even when they want to and it is causing serious problems in their life.
Substances Can Include:
- Illegal Drugs: Such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine.
- Prescription Drugs: Painkillers (opioids), anxiety medication, or ADHD medication that are used in a way not prescribed by a doctor.
- Alcohol: Which is legal for adults but can lead to a serious disease called Alcohol Use Disorder.
A Strong Connection
There is a very strong link between substance use and crime in America. Using illegal drugs is itself a crime, but addiction can also lead people to commit other crimes, like theft, to pay for drugs.
Important Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other government sources:
- Studies show that more than 60% of people in U.S. jails and prisons meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder.
- An estimated 80% of offenses that lead to jail or prison time are related to drugs or alcohol. This can include possessing or selling drugs, driving under the influence, or committing a crime to get money for drugs.
Recovery is Possible
Because addiction is a disease, it can be treated. There are many paths to recovery, and what works for one person might be different for another. The first step is often asking for help.
Types of Treatment
- Detoxification (Detox): This is often the first step. It is a process where the body gets rid of the substance. It should be done with medical help because it can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.
- Outpatient Counseling: Meeting with a counselor regularly to learn skills to stay sober while living at home.
- Residential Treatment: Living at a treatment center for a period of time (like 30, 60, or 90 days) to focus on recovery in a safe environment.
- Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are free meetings where people support each other in recovery.
- Medication: For some addictions, like opioids or alcohol, doctors can prescribe medication that helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Treatment in the Justice System
Sometimes, a judge may order a person to go to treatment as part of their sentence. This is often called "drug court." This can be a chance to get the help needed to start recovery.