What You Should Know About The Court-Ordered Rehab Process

The problem does become complicated, though, when people use drugs or alcohol while engaging in criminal activity. A minor in possession of illegal drugs might not receive a lengthy prison sentence like a drug trafficker would.

This is a complex issue because those who have committed crimes deserve punishment, but they may also require substance addiction and mental health treatment. About 50% of state and federal prisoners fit the clinical standards of substance use disorder. However, only 20% of them received substance abuse treatment.

Statistics show that:

• 80% of offenses requiring incarceration involve drugs or alcohol
• 40% of traffic deaths involve alcohol
• 37% of inmates stated they were impaired from alcohol when arrested
• 40% of violent crimes included alcohol impairment

Studies also show that 95% of inmates have consumed drugs or alcohol upon leaving confinement, and roughly 60 to 80% commit drug-related crimes upon being released.

Substance abuse treatment helps prevent drug and alcohol use and break the cycle. This is why courts offer alternatives to jail or less harsh sentences to people who agree to attend an addiction treatment program.

Pressuring somebody to quit drugs or alcohol through incarceration will not cure their addiction. It will give them a chance to detox, but it won’t teach them how to avoid relapse and prepare them for life without using drugs and alcohol once they’re released.

Pressured abstinence can also be dangerous for those with severe substance use disorders. To detox without medical supervision from benzodiazepines or alcohol can sometimes cause deadly withdrawal symptoms.

Published studies are responsible for making standard court-ordered substance abuse treatment services the way they are today. These must include intensive supervision, vocational education, progress reporting, and a work-release program.

Courts can also require offenders to complete substance addiction treatment programs while being randomly tested for drugs or alcohol and required to participate in support group meetings. These requirements can be achieved during their incarceration or required during their probationary period.

Juveniles, adults, and guardians with a substance abuse disorder will be ordered to attend drug courts when arrested for drug-related crimes.

Some drug-related crimes include:

• Trafficking or possession of drugs
• Crimes directly correlated to drugs, like stealing money to pay for drugs
• Illegal behavior that enhances the risk of drug abuse, like associations with drug dealers and abusers

Each jurisdiction and state has different guidelines for cooperation in drug courts.

Standard Guidelines For Drug Court Cooperation Include:

• Arrested for a drug-related offense
• Adverse history of violence or sexual abuse
• Under three drug-related crimes
• Proof of intoxication when a violation was committed
• Addiction was the cause of the crime
• Compliant in pleading guilty
• Willing to comply with drug court demands

A history of drug and alcohol abuse is not the single reason someone attends drug court or is commanded to seek treatment. People with a history of mental health disorders may be ordered to obtain more intensive addiction treatment than others. Offenders who don’t meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder could seek less intensive treatment like educational classes.

An offender’s lack of motivation shouldn’t prevent courts from ordering treatment. Several behavioral therapies, like motivational enhancement therapy, are intended to encourage a patient’s desire to inquire into help.

Analysis has shown that drug abuse across the nation has cost more than $193 billion. The criminal justice system’s law enforcement expenses, judicial and correctional costs have equaled over $56 million. U.S. taxpayers paid the majority of those costs.

While taxpayers pay the costs of most drug-related criminal justice expenses, defendants usually end up paying for their treatment. The cost of substance abuse treatment depends on the facility, the treatment program, and the length of treatment. Rehab programs usually range from $5,000 to $30,000.

If time in a sober living home is also required, the resident will be responsible for paying rent and other bills. Support group meetings are free, but the group members may have to pay transportation costs. Most offenders cover treatment with the help of their health insurance.

Many people have claimed legal obligation is an important reason for seeking substance addiction treatment. According to various studies, the legal obligation can extend substance addiction treatment attendance and time, leading to better court-ordered rehab outcomes.

The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on a patient’s compliance in accepting change and full cooperation. For court-ordered rehab to be successful, offenders push all-in on their recovery.

Studies on legally-mandated substance addiction treatment show that most participants produce outcomes equal to patients who freely seek treatment. The best success rates come with a 90-day treatment stay, significantly decreasing drug abuse and criminal behavior.

Substance addiction treatment studies have shown effective rehab programs can help:

• Prevent relapse
• Decrease recidivism
• Decrease inmate misconduct
• Improve the acceptance of societal standards
• Increase employment opportunities upon release
• Increase overall health
• Enhance interpersonal relationships

Effective court-ordered rehab programs are beneficial to both society and offenders. Society can only benefit from increased productivity, reduced crime rates, and recovered patients reporting better health, earning capacity, and happiness.

If you or a loved one need to enroll in court-ordered rehab, Harmony Ridge Recovery Center can help. Our treatment staff has years of experience with substance abuse treatment and know what it takes to get clean and sober.

Although this might not be voluntary, becoming sober will reflect on a much healthier, happier lifestyle. Don’t hesitate any longer. Contact us today at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center to get the answers you seek.