In the last decade, the number of people in jail, prison, or under community supervision has skyrocketed. In 2005 an estimated 2 million people were behind bars while another 4 million were on probation. For a country with less than 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States is responsible for 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Of those involved in our criminal justice system, it is estimated that 75 percent have diagnosable alcohol and drug disorders. The number who suffer from behavioral addictions to food, sex, gambling, and online activities is unknown. Despite the large population behind bars in need of help, less than a third receive any kind of addiction treatment while doing time. However, the criminal justice system dominates referrals into community-based drug treatment programs – accounting for about half of all patients in treatment. The sad truth is that even though treatment works some of the time, many drop out, relapse, and return to jail within months or a few years.

The belief that incarceration can heal someone struggling with addiction is among the myths of our long-term drug war (see number 10). Fortunately, there is now significant momentum within the criminal justice system to incorporate drug courts, promote drug treatment, and find creative ways to deliver treatment services to those behind bars. My own experience and belief is that moving forward, we must do all we can to bridge the gaps between treatment and criminal justice. Counselors, POs, psychiatrists, law enforcement officers, psychologists, judges – all need to collaborate in how we construct programs of rehabilitation. Although some have the misperception that correctional goals cannot be aligned with those in drug treatment, I believe treatment and control can occur simultaneously. Having an addiction does not absolve a person from the responsibility of their actions – punishment has its place. But we must also recognize that imprisonment is very costly to society. A balance must be struck in how we approach those who break the law and struggle with substance abuse and addiction. This can be challenging, but perhaps the best remedy is education that promotes an understanding of evidence-based interventions for all stakeholders involved.

The following resources can help you better understand the linkages between the criminal justice system and addiction, and what we can do to help those who suffer. The first three publications all come from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

Behind Bars: Substance Abuse and America’s Prison Population
Although a bit outdated (1998), this report provides some context to the problem, including: delineating the link between substance abuse and crime, demographics of those behind bars, treatment gaps, and recommendations for changing the system.

Crossing the Bridge: An Evaluation of the Drug Treatment Alternative-to-prison (DTAP) Program
The key to reducing crime, the prison population, and the associated costs is to reduce substance abuse and addictive behavior among offenders. DTAP is an example program of what can be done.

Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind
This 2004 publication outlines the link between substance abuse and juvenile delinquency, the effectiveness of our current system, and the many gaps that exist is effectively helping teens who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.

Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations: A Research-Based Guide
This 2006 publication from the National Institute on Drug Abuse outlines 13 evidence-based drug treatment principles that lead to good outcomes.