In today's society, substance abuse and crime rates continue to correlate concurrently. Even more, offenders are not receiving the treatment they need.

Research reveals that treatment works for drug-abusing offenders. Not receiving addiction treatment through the lack of access or refusal of services can be detrimental for individuals who are incarcerated and suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). 

Continue reading to find out more pertinent information about the correlation between addiction and crime rates to help your loved one before it's too late. 

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TYPE OF CRIME AND DRUG USE? 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 750,000 crimes were committed involving individuals being under the influence of alcohol or drug use in 2007.

A study published in the Psychology of Violence journal involved the following findings:

• The relationship between substance use and violence is apparent among a wide range of various populations and types of abuse, i.e., violence in the community, violent criminal recidivism, etc.
• Drug and alcohol use are both linked to violence. 
• The highest risk of violence occurs when drugs and alcohol use takes place in combination.
• Alcohol use was almost as strongly linked to victims of violence as it is to perpetrators of violence.
• Abusing alcohol seems to be significantly linked to the risk of being physically assaulted or injured, yet the association with drug use is not as strong.
• Violently acting out while under the influence of drugs or alcohol was significantly higher for men than women.

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) states that in 2012, the correctional population estimates to 6,937,600, with 4,794,000 individuals on probation or under parole supervision. Drug law violations are, in fact, the most common type of criminal offense. 

EFFECTS OF DRUG USE AND CRIME ON FAMILIES 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that drug abuse categories in three types of drug-related offenses:

1. Drug possession or distribution
2. Directly related to drug abuse (i.e., stealing to get money for drugs)
3. Lifestyle of engaging in illegal activity (i.e., association with other offenders or with illicit markets)

If your loved one is committing drug-related crimes, we understand this time can be difficult and lay adverse effects on the family members. Your circumstances may be tough, but our team is here to help you through this time and figure out the next steps for what to do.

Help minimize substance use before it reaches the point of incarceration and negative behavioral actions. One way to do this is by recognizing the signs that your loved one has a substance use disorder (SUD). 

Obtaining the ability to identify early symptoms of addiction aids in a constructive alteration of your loved one's future. Along with early detection, when they commit to the best addiction treatment program catered to their individual needs, the chances of recovery significantly increase. 

WHAT IS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE FOR PUTTING SOMEONE IN JAIL FOR A DRUG-RELATED OFFENSE?

State and Federal prisoners participated in a survey conducted by BJS. It was concluded that roughly half of the prisoners met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for drug abuse. Additionally, fewer than 20 percent who needed treatment received it, and only 14.8 percent of State and 17.4 percent of Federal prisoners reported receiving addiction treatment after admittance. 

The NIDA believes that treatment provides the best alternative for minimizing and eventually stopping the drug abuse and criminal activity cycle, and we believe this too. Correctional facilities will most likely have fewer addiction treatment opportunities to choose from comparable to a standard addiction treatment facility. However, it is strongly encouraged for your loved one who is incarcerated to utilize any resources when available. 

Relapse is more likely to occur to those who leave their addiction untreated comparable to offenders who participate in treatment opportunities. Not treating a SUD can lead to more negative downsides from continual drug abuse, re-incarceration, public health and safety risks and more. 

Roughly 75 percent of inmates with mental illness concurrently meet qualifications for substance abuse. The high rate of co-occurrence underscores the need for offenders of all ages.

Drug use treatment available in criminal justice systems is dependent on the facility. There could be options such as:

• Community-based treatment after release
• Judicial monitoring  
• Receiving treatment under parole
• Working with criminal justice and treatment systems 

Providence Recovery provides treatment services with programs dedicated to encouraging real and lasting recovery. We offer a full continuum of care in coordination with healthcare professionals. 

PATIENT-CENTERED ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER | PROVIDENCE RECOVERY 

Our team of healthcare professionals at Providence Recovery wants to help your loved one get back to a positive and healthy life. We are passionate about the addiction recovery process and strive to see our patients strive long-term following their treatment programs. 

Providence Recovery provides the following treatment services for patients:

• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Sober Living Home

We treat individuals through multiple treatment therapies ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy to family therapy and more. 

Give us a call today with your loved one to start a new life with Providence Recovery: