LEGALLY MANDATED ADDICTION TREATMENT
Treatment of substance use disorders may be legally mandated under a variety of circumstances, including substance-related criminal offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drug court programs recognize the effectiveness of diverting offenders with lesser drug related convictions from correctional facilities into court-mandated community programs for the treatment of substance use disorders. Standard procedures for drug court programs include 1) assessment of individual substance use treatment needs, 2) appropriate referral for treatment after arrest, 3) periodic monitoring of adherence to treatment through the use of clinician report and mandatory drug testing, 4) reduction in the severity of charges contingent on successful utilization of programs for the treatment of substance use disorders, and 5) aftercare planning for maintaining sobriety in the community. For offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, state and community sanctions include incarceration, license suspension, driver's education, and community service requirements. Some evidence indicates that more severe sanctions lead to less recidivism for intoxicated drivers with high blood alcohol content readings.
Despite the high frequency at which substance use disorders and criminal behaviors co-occur, it has been estimated that only 1%-20% of substance abusers receive adequate treatment while incarcerated. The most studied effective treatment programs for incarcerated individuals are therapeutic communities.
If you have questions whether you or a loved one has a problem with drug use or alcohol use or if you believe you or a loved one may be an addict please click here.
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