Commentary: Drug Courts’ Positive Effects on Families and Society
Jails and prisons in America are overflowing with people
who suffer from substance use disorders. In fact, more than three
quarters of inmates have either been arrested for a drug- or
alcohol-related crime, have been intoxicated at the time of their
arrest, have a history of regular drug or alcohol use, or have
previously received drug or alcohol treatment.
Despite what most people think, the association between drugs and
criminal behavior is not solely due to people committing crimes to
further their drug habit. Drug use is actually a factor in many crimes
that have nothing to do with obtaining money for drugs. In fact, drug
use is implicated in 50 percent of violent crimes, 50 percent of
instances of domestic violence and 80 percent of child abuse and neglect
cases. Historically, policies addressing substance abuse and crime have
shifted back and forth between either using treatment or using criminal
sanctions. But research indicates that a more balanced approach that
incorporates both treatment and criminal justice supervision is more
effective.
This is where drug courts come in. Drug courts are specialized courts
that offer people arrested for drug-related crimes an opportunity to
obtain community-based treatment coupled with close judicial supervision
as a way of avoiding sentencing and potential incarceration. By
successfully completing this voluntary program, individuals have the
potential to avoid criminal penalties and even have the arrest erased
from their permanent record. Drug courts represent a criminal justice
approach that takes into account the need to ensure public safety
through close supervision, and public health through the delivery of
community-based treatment. They are among the most effective ways to
address the problem of substance abuse and crime.
Drug courts improve people’s lives in a variety of ways. They have
been shown to increase rates of employment, help people obtain stable
living arrangements, improve mental and physical health, and enhance
interpersonal relationships. The improvements to the individual, their
community and society are almost too numerous to mention.
Perhaps one of the most important and far-reaching effects of a drug
court, which is often overlooked, is the positive impact it has on
families who have been negatively affected by their loved one’s
addiction. These families often face poverty, strained or broken
relationships and separation from spouses or parents. The positive
healing and restorative effects of drug courts on the family are
dramatic.
One need only talk to a drug court alumnus, go to a drug court graduation or attend an annual National Association of Drug Court Professionals
conference to witness these effects. As a result of drug courts,
mothers and fathers can regain custody of their children, provide for
their families and become productive members of their community. The
personal evolution that many drug court participants undergo is nothing
short of astounding.
As we approach the end of National Drug Court Month, we should
continue to recognize the important role that drug courts serve in
helping individuals and families overcome the devastating effects of
addiction.
David S. Festinger, PhD, is Director of Treatment
Research Institute’s Section on Law & Ethics Dr. Festinger holds a
PhD in clinical psychology, Masters Degrees in both counseling and
clinical health psychology, and is a licensed clinical psychologist.
Karen Leggett Dugosh, PhD, is a Research Scientist for
Treatment Research Institute’s Section on Law & Ethics. Dr. Dugosh
holds MS and PhD degrees in Experimental Psychology.
Treatment Research Institute
is a non-profit research and development organization focused on
improving substance abuse programs and policies. TRI researchers have
conducted seminal research around the efficacy of drug courts and have
developed tools that support effective management of substance abusing
offenders.
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