The unfortunate realities of drug usage are not limited to the effects on one’s health. Problems typically snowball and spread to other facets of life, such as personal relationships, professional environments, and communities. The multifaceted and devastating nature of the aftereffects of chronic drug misuse is wreaking havoc on communities across the country.
For a very long time, there has been and continues to be a link between the consumption of drugs and the prevalence of crime. Arrests for possession of illegal drugs are rising, particularly in regions that are exposed to and are vulnerable to the severe opioid crisis. The nation’s correctional facilities and municipal prisons are overcrowded. It begs the question: when people are locked up, what happens to them if they are addicted to drugs?
Regrettably, jails are not drug rehabilitation institutions and do not have the resources necessary to assist people in overcoming their addiction to substances. Families must look for assistance before having a family member or friend forced to deal with the legal system. In many cases, incarceration is detrimental to a person’s ability to heal over the long run.
What happens to those with drug addictions in jail?
It should come as no surprise that a significant portion of those incarcerated in the United States is there for drug-related charges. Unfortunately, because there are not enough resources, it is difficult for analysts to estimate the prevalence of substance use disorders among convicts. However, based on the findings of several studies, it is estimated that up to 65 percent or perhaps more of the inmate population is now struggling with a substance use disorder.
Inmates who receive complete treatment for substance abuse while incarcerated may be better prepared to re-enter their communities free of drugs and crime upon release. Comprehensive treatment may consist of ongoing therapeutic services, the avoidance of relapse, the development of skill sets, participation in group therapy, and more.
Drug withdrawal in jail
In terms of what happens to addicts when they are incarcerated, withdrawal is one of the more delicate topics to discuss. It is pretty risky to stop using drugs cold turkey after having been dependent on them for a long time. Inmates may get some monitoring in jail, but they are allowed to deal with the withdrawal symptoms on their own for the most part.
Inmates have a legal right to receive medical care on par with the general population. This indicates that prisoners should have access to treatment supported by evidence. The term “should” is an essential word in this context because most jails do not have the resources necessary to provide inmates with sufficient medical treatment, particularly for issues related to mental health and drug misuse.
Rehab centers for substance abuse
As specialists in addiction treatment, we encourage any movement toward drug treatment care rather than incarceration as an alternative to punishment. In addition, as interventionists, we think that families can and should rapidly respond to emerging patterns of drug misuse, preferably before arrests or other forms of criminal activity. That is something that you can accomplish with our aid. So get in touch with us today at Evolve Indy to find out how we can help you or your loved ones.