Prioritize SUD Treatment Over Incarceration

Introductory Paragraph

More than half of the prison population in the United States, about 65%, is estimated to have an active Substance Use Disorder. About 20 % who did not fully meet the criteria for a substance use disorder were under the influence of substances at the time of their arrest. Many of the individuals in prison for drug-related offenses and even those for other crimes, are not receiving treatment and have a high risk of reoffending once released. Failure to provide adequate and high-quality substance use treatment is not only detrimental to the individuals who are incarcerated but also has negative implications for their families, society, and the economy. Recent data shows a significant correlation between criminal justice involvement and substance use, highlighting the importance of identifying a different approach to the problem. Offering treatment to individuals with a substance use disorder should be a priority according to decades of the impact treatment has on an individual’s quality of life, reduced likelihood of recidivism, and future relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has increased its efforts to find solutions and support to those who work within the court system, social workers, and counselors who provide services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system due to drug use .

Key Information

Substances use disorders are considered treatable diseases of the brain that impact one’s ability to lead healthy and normal lives. Many times, individuals using substances struggle to make logical decisions and find themselves engaging in criminal behavior because of their addiction. Treatment for these issues is available and has promising effects when administered. However, instead of receiving treatment, many individuals with a substance use disorder find themselves involved with the criminal justice system that does not adequately address their addiction and behavioral problems. By failing to not treat this population of people, society has a missed opportunity to better the lives of the individuals and improve public health and safety.

Once incarcerated for drug-related crimes, people with substance use disorders have an extremely high risk of using substances and reoffending once released. This has substantial impacts on the economy, the criminal justice system, and the individuals living with this substance use disorder. Not only does this cycle cost taxpayers billions each year, but it also does not adequately provide the individuals with the resources they need in order to treat their addiction and break the vicious cycle. These individuals are more likely to commit crimes at a higher rate once released from prison when compared to those who are not using substances

One option that seems promising is providing drug treatment inside the prisons and jails while the offenders are incarcerated. Since the 1990’s researchers have discovered highly effective interventions that can be implemented while offenders are incarcerated and after they are released . A critical component of this approach is adequate prerelease and post-release counseling and support in order to reduce detrimental impacts of individuals returning to their previous stressful home-life, environments, and negative peer influences. Lack of access to treatment upon release increases the likelihood of relapse and death due to overdose due to the changes in an individual’s tolerance after being incarcerated

Relevant Research

In this section, please capture any recent findings, reports, or data on the topic. Please also highlight any gaps or existing disparities. Please include references and links to the information so that we may add a footnote for the reader to find further information. Do we have any available research about discriminatory practices? Is there information about the value of access to educational opportunities?

Impactful Federal, State, and Local Policies

Please list any federal, state, or local laws, policies, or regulations that support this topic or ones that could be a possible barrier. Are there laws or policies other states should know about and replicate for success?

Available Tools and Resources

Oftentimes, there are already great resources in the field that have been developed, but they are not housed in a single place. Please use this section to share information about those resources and drive the reader to that resource. It may be a worksheet, toolkit, fact sheet, framework/model, infographic, new technology, etc. I suggest no more than 5 really good links and a corresponding description for the reader. We also can use this section to highlight some of the great resources and programs at SAFE Project.

Promising Practices

Please link to any best practice models or case studies that highlight creative/innovative or successful efforts in support of this strategy. Is there a community that does a really good job in this area that other communities should replicate? Please write a brief description and provide a link.