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Jail does not help most people with addiction get sober. It interrupts using for a period of time, but it rarely treats the disease driving it, and the weeks after release are among the most dangerous in a person’s life. I’m Nicholas, co-founder of Hollywood Hills Recovery, and I have been sober since July 20, 2018.
What Did That Encounter Teach Me About Addiction?
When the police arrived, I expected to go to jail, but I didn’t. The officer offered me water and an opportunity to get help. Consequences alone rarely stop addiction, because they do not treat what drives it. Jail can remove access for a while and leave the disease in place.
What Was My Turning Point?
My turning point came on a day the police showed up and I looked up and said, “There is no way that I’m not going to jail today.” And you know what? I didn’t go to jail. I took the man’s water, and I got that opportunity. I tell that story in do you have to hit rock bottom to get sober. One moment of being treated like a person started the process of getting sober.
Why Doesn’t Jail Treat Addiction?
Jail does not treat addiction because it was never designed to. 4 gaps explain why time behind bars rarely leads to recovery:
- Withdrawal often happens without adequate medical support.
- Therapy for the causes of addiction is limited or unavailable.
- Stress, trauma, and isolation increase the drive to use.
- A criminal record creates barriers to jobs and housing after release.
How Common Is Addiction Among People in Jail and Prison?
Addiction is the norm among incarcerated people, not the exception. During 2007 to 2009, 58% of state prisoners and 63% of sentenced jail inmates met the criteria for drug dependence or abuse, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The same report compared that to about 5% of the general adult population.
Why Is Release From Jail So Dangerous for People With Addiction?
Release is dangerous because tolerance drops while cravings do not. A person who returns to their old dose after weeks or months without using can overdose on an amount their body once handled. A study of 30,237 people released from Washington State prisons found 2 alarming results in the first 2 weeks after release, according to the New England Journal of Medicine:
- The overall risk of death was 12.7 times higher than for other state residents.
- The risk of death from drug overdose was 129 times higher.
How Can Families Reduce That Risk?
Families can reduce the risk by planning for release before it happens. 4 steps help:
- Arrange a treatment assessment for the day of release or soon after.
- Keep naloxone at home and learn how Narcan works in overdose situations.
- Remove access to old using contacts where possible.
- Stay in contact without shaming the person for being incarcerated.
What Works Better Than Punishment Alone?
Treatment works better than punishment alone because it addresses the disease rather than only the behavior. Addiction is a treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Accountability still matters. It just needs to lead toward care, because care is what changes the brain and the behavior over time.
Is Court-Ordered Treatment Different From Jail?
Court-ordered treatment is different because it connects accountability to care. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective, according to the same NIDA research guide, which is why drug courts and diversion programs send people to treatment instead of a cell.
Can Families Get Someone Into Treatment Without an Arrest?
Families often can get someone into treatment before the legal system does. Can you force someone into rehab in California explains the options. Overcoming the stigma of addiction treatment helps families start the conversation.
How Can Hollywood Hills Recovery Help After an Arrest?
Hollywood Hills Recovery offers a path that jail cannot. Care begins with medical detox, continues through residential inpatient treatment, and extends into our aftercare program. We treat opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders. Call 323-709-7856.
