The Costs and Benefits of Court-Ordered Inpatient Drug Rehab

Many people attend inpatient drug rehab by court order, but the effectiveness of non-volitional treatment is a controversial issue. While some people claim that inpatient treatment is far better than jail for reducing crime, others assert that therapy is only effective when addicts choose it. Studies have shown that court-ordered patients can make great recoveries, but many people still vehemently oppose the use of addiction treatment for drug offenders. In order to make needed changes to the criminal and penal systems, society should raise its understanding of the costs and benefits of court-ordered inpatient drug rehab.

Does Court-Ordered Mean “Forced?”

People who doubt the effectiveness of court-ordered drug treatment may be wrongly assuming that attendees don’t want to be there. In some criminal cases, people are given the choice between rehab and jail. They’ve hit low points in their lives, and they may strongly desire to seek treatment and get better. In these situations, rehab is a clear and positive choice.

Others may have never been able to afford inpatient drug rehab. Judges will sometimes require patients to pay for their own treatments, but drug offenders are often provided with funding and long-term payment options. Ironically, these people may finally be getting the help they need – but only after they’ve been arrested for possession.

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

The greatest benefit of court-ordered drug rehab is that it allows people to address the underlying cause of their criminal behaviors – addiction. Addiction take control of people’s lives, and temporary withdrawal compels them to seek drugs and get high in the face of terrible legal consequences. While detox can help them manage their cravings, counseling is usually necessary for addicts to make long-term changes to their thoughts and behaviors. Prison sentences may keep addicts away from drugs for short periods of time, but they almost always return to heavy substance abuse afterwards.

Reducing Financial Costs with Rehab

People often object to paying for criminals’ rehabilitations, but most reports suggest that prison is actually far more expensive. A study by the Department of Health and Human Services showed that drug offenders who attended rehab services were far less likely to become recidivists than those who went to prison. The same researchers found that prison for repeat offenders costs roughly seventy-five percent more than drug treatment for non-recidivists. Three months of inpatient rehab may be more expensive than three months of jail, but it seems to be a far better option for taxpayers in the long run.

The Problems with Halfway Houses

Halfway houses are sober facilities where criminals can live before fully reintegrating into society. These places provide vital services which help people transition from their clinics to the outside world – but many non-addicts take issue with them. Even those who recognize the need for halfway houses often object to their presence in their particular neighborhoods or cities. These objections may be partly caused by the stereotype that dangerous criminals are simply dropped off and left to their own devices. If society is going to successfully reform its criminal system and reduce rates of addiction, these negative attitudes need to change.

Addiction is a dangerous disease, and the legal consequences can utterly ruin people’s lives. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, don’t wait until you’ve been arrested to seek the help you need. Call the number above now for a free consultation with one of our dedicated representatives. We’ll get you started on a proven inpatient drug rehab program and help you take control of your cravings – and your life.