Incarceration Vs. Treatment Part Four Of Five:
Treatment Helping to Build Communities
In part three of this series, it was mentioned that the economic advantage of treatment toward communities does not have a price tag. Treatment does, however, have a positive effect on communities across America. Research reflected in the Justice Policy Institute’s 2004 research study proves that treatment helps to improve communities, backed up with research from a variety of different entities.
The studies began by citing a Maryland government funded agency, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (ADAA). The agency, looking over the facilities they funded, found that fewer people committed crimes while attending rehabilitation activities within the agencies. Arrest rates for those in the programs were lower, and those who completed the program continued to maintain low to no arrests after treatment.
DTAP, a rehabilitation facility in Brooklyn, NY, saw a 50% graduation rate and fewer reported crimes for those in the program and for the graduates. These individuals were integrated into society, had assistance in finding jobs, were able to be parents to their children, and were taught to make a positive contribution to their neighborhoods. These are opportunities which would have been missed with incarceration.
In fact, the federal government reports that treatment facility graduates show a 50% decline in drug-related arrests, with a two thirds decline in other types of arrest. Criminal behavior was also found to decline through the Justice Policy Institute study for those who received treatment. An astounding 90 percent of people who were helped to become better citizens reduced criminal behavior, according to this study. While relapse is possible, as discussed earlier, it is less likely that a user will commit crimes when treated than when incarcerated. NBC News reported that 40% of prisoners commit crimes and go back to prison after incarceration, harming communities after jail time.
Many programs help addicts become productive members of society, helping to find jobs, homes, and stay away from drugs. The programs follow through and don’t simply release addicts into society; the communities benefit through the additional assistance of finding a job and finding a place to live away from the pressure of drugs or alcohol. The benefits of treatment over incarceration to a community do not have a price tag, but they do have a value.
If you’d like to talk more about treatment and its effect on communities, contact Vancouver Home Health Care Agency today.
At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.