•  Public Policy Solutions •

What Science Teaches Us About Addressing Addiction
In the Criminal Justice System

Studies demonstrate that incarceration without access to the continuum of addiction treatment services has not been successful in deterring people with drug and alcohol problems from engaging in future criminal activity or drug and alcohol use. As a chronic, untreated disease, addiction is likely to result in continued contact with the criminal justice system and a greater likelihood of re-incarceration.  In fact, a recent study indicated that 85 percent of drug using individuals returned to drug use within one year of release from prison, and 95 percent returned to drug use within three years.¹

Unless we greatly improve the provision of drug and alcohol treatment and other effective interventions to the criminal justice population, recidivism rates will remain high and the courts and correctional systems will expend copious resources on substance-involved individuals.² 

Policy Solution #1:		Treatment and recovery support services should be available to individuals under criminal justice supervision
Policy Solution #2:		Addiction treatment increases public safety, reduces recidivism and drug and alcohol use, and saves money
Policy Solution #3:		Coordination with addiction treatment and recovery service providers should occur at each point of entry into the criminal justice system
Policy Solution #4:		In-prison treatment combined with community-based care is necessary for successful reentry
Policy Solution #5:		Resources for addiction treatment in the community should be identified prior to release
Policy Solution #6:		Reconnecting formerly incarcerated individuals with their families, where appropriate, may help reduce crime and prevent relapse
Policy Solution #7:		Providing a comprehensive range of services increases the likelihood of successful reentry
Policy Solution #8:		Special needs of women with addiction histories who are under the supervision of the criminal justice system must be addressed
Policy Solution #9:		Healthcare services should be provided for reentering individuals, including the prevention, screening, and treatment of hiv/aids, hepatitis c and sexually transmitted diseases should be provided

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