Drug Court- A Viable Option For Drug Addiction?

The first drug court began work in Miami in 1989. The idea was that instead of offenders with drug charges (usually low level drug dealing to support their habit) going to jail, they would volunteer for a certain period of time (a year or more depending on the judge), and, taking weekly classes on drug addiction, going to mandatory meetings, and getting random drug tests regularly, get help for the drug addiction that got them in trouble in the first place.

Since then, communities across the nation have embraced this system, with drug courts in every state, some 2,000 in total. While this is a fraction of the total amounts of offenders, results have been promising.

Yet, critics maintain that drug courts only reduce recidivism by 8%, with wide variation.

“Before we get too heavy into the criticism of drug court,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab GA, “and questioning the workability of the treatment provided there, let’s make sure that we have fully assessed the alternative which is prison. Even a modest reduction in crimes and prisons yield cost benefits.”

A report this year by the Urban Institute found that, for 55,000 people in adult drug courts, the country spends about half a billion dollars a year in supervision and treatment but reaps more than $1 billion in reduced law enforcement, prison and victim costs. A large expansion would yield similar benefits, the report argued.

“We also need to ask how well does prison work and what value do we have at the end of the day.  A wasted life is of no value to anyone,” continues Ms. Rieser.

“We also need to ask who is criticizing drug court. Is it someone who really cares about the problem or a vested interest?

“We need a study on the efficacy of drug court vs. jail in terms of cost and effectiveness.  Those who are footing the bill (the taxpayers) need to know the result and be given the opportunity to decide what they want as a community.

“In this country we have systems for such a process, though it is seldom used in the field of addiction.  Drugs are big money for a lot of people and the more people addicted the more money is made for the dealer, the attorneys and the jail.  It is LOT of money and we need to beware of criticism of things that could possibly work to decrease the number of persons who flow through the system.

“The best thing for families with a drug addiction problem is to get the loved one into treatment before they get arrested.   Do it while you still have the opportunity to help.  Once a person is in the system all outside control is virtually lost.”

If you know someone who is drug addicted, then call Narconon.  We have a 76% success rate.

Call Narconon Drug Rehab 1-877-413-3073 for more information on effective drug treatment.

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