Today, great strides have been made in the treatment of addiction. We know more today than ever about the disease of addiction and the factors that contribute to it. Stigma has been reduced, making it easier to get help, and the help that is available is more effective.
With that said, there is still a long way to go. While the stigma isn’t as bad as it used to be, it is still very much a barrier for many. While more and more addicts are finding and receiving treatment, many more go untreated, and many end up in jails and institutions. This is not a solution for addiction, and it never has been. Unfortunately, it continues to be used as a solution, and public opinion often supports this.
Jails don’t help addicts recover. Incarceration is expensive and ineffective, a band-aid that ultimately ends up creating more problems than it solves. When addicts are released back into society after incarceration, they are no better off than when they entered and are often worse. They frequently have no resources, have had no treatment, and have little in the way of support. In addition, they often come out with increased problems, such as trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety and poor health. And, they are still addicted. Imprisonment hasn’t changed that, even if they have stayed clean and sober while locked up.
So What Is The Solution?
The introduction of jail diversion treatment has made a real difference in the lives of thousands of addicts and alcoholics who would normally continue to experience the revolving door of jails and institutions.
Jail diversion treatment gives those who are addicted an alternative to jails and prisons — much needed treatment.
How Does Jail Diversion Treatment Work?
When a person who has committed a drug-related crime gets introduced into the justice system, there is an opportunity to address the root cause of the problem by diverting them from jail into a program that will treat their addiction.
Participation in this program is voluntary and conditional. This means that the program is given to people who want it, and who are willing to continue to meet the criteria and requirements to stay in the program. Jail diversion programs are not a free ride, and they are not easy. They require work and dedication to complete, and participants must meet the requirements or face going back to jail.
What Are The Advantages Of A Jail Diversion Treatment Program?
Jail diversion is cost-effective on two levels. One, a treatment program costs less than keeping an inmate incarcerated. This saves taxpayers money in the short-term. In the long-term, participants who complete a jail diversion treatment program are less likely to be arrested again, which means that even more money is saved.
People who complete diversion programs rather than go to jail and who remain clean and sober go on to be responsible, productive members of society who work, pay taxes and contribute to their communities. People who go to jail often just go back to jail again.
In addition to reducing costs and improving communities, jail diversion treatment programs help families break the cycles of addiction, poverty and violence. This has far-reaching implications that will positively impact society into the future.
What Does A Jail Diversion Treatment Program Consist Of?
Jail diversion treatment isn’t just a drug rehab program, although that is certainly part of it. Jail diversion addresses not only the addiction itself, but also underlying issues that may be playing a part in negative and destructive behaviors.
Just as importantly, a good jail diversion treatment program will help participants build needed skills that can help them build productive, satisfying lives.
Often, people who have led a life plagued by addiction have not had the opportunity to learn basic skills such as job searching skills, budgeting, shopping, cooking, paying bills etc. Incarceration does not build these skills, and in fact, people leave jails and prisons with fewer social and coping skills than when they arrived.
Jail diversion treatment addresses these gaps in skills and help participants build the self-esteem and self-sufficiency needed to thrive after they complete treatment, so that they are able to find employment and housing and rebuild and repair family relationships.
Finding A Jail Diversion Treatment Program
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and is in danger of getting lost in the system, Broadway Treatment Center may be able to help. Broadway Treatment Center is a comprehensive inpatient drug treatment program that offers cutting edge treatments and a variety of services. In addition, the program offers jail diversion for those who qualify. The program assists participants with drug treatment, life skills training, assistance in dealing with legal matters, finding and securing job training and locating affordable housing. In addition, the program helps participants grow and heal by addressing trauma and family relationship issues. Call Broadway Treatment Center today at 714-443-8218 today to learn more.
