For those charged with crimes related to drug possession and intoxication, drug court programs offer a helpful alternative that not only prevent them from serving time in prison but can also change their lives for the better. Instead of being sent to prison for their crimes, addicts are often given the opportunity to have a second chance if the judge offers them a drug court program.
When people suffer from serious drug addictions and are eligible for drug court they can receive treatment and necessary services so that they can become clean and sober. Addicts must prove to the judge that they can change their behavior, abstain from drug use and hold down a job.
After meeting the guidelines for drug court, people with addictions can avoid a prison sentence while also resolving their issues with drugs.
Rehabilitation through Drug Court
There have been many drug court success stories around the country for people who never believed they would ever recover from their addiction. While addicts may initially see the program simply as an opportunity to avoid a jail sentence, it eventually becomes a life-changing experience as they go through the steps of recovery and learn important tools in intensive treatment.
Participants who are facing non-violent drug charges and are eligible for drug court will be given a treatment regimen and must follow guidelines to prove that they are adhering to the program. Those in drug court are given random drug tests to ensure they remain sober, are also paid house visits and must be involved in a steady job as well as community service.
Addicts are given these requirements so that they can regain their accountability and become more responsible members of society while proving to the judge that they deserve to have their charges dropped. Once the participant has completed their program, judges often find that they are completely different people who have truly turned their lives around.
Effective Treatment and Recovery
Most of the participants in drug court programs are people who were arrested for driving under the influence or possessing illegal drugs. They may often accept the terms of the program without a real understanding of the changes they will have to make to meet all the requirements.
Offenders can enter drug court before their case goes to trial and can then have their charges dismissed once they have completed the program. Some participants can attend outpatient treatment programs so that they are still able to live at home while receiving help but others may be put into residential programs where they will undergo intensive treatment full time in a facility.
Many of these types of programs have shown great success especially and preventing any offenders from recommitting the same drug-related crimes. Those involved in the program must be honest about their drug use and confess if they relapse while undergoing treatment.
They might be punished for their mistakes but some can continue completing the program.
Drug court programs have been a part of the legal system for almost 25 years because they have proven to be an effective way to reduce the population of over-crowded prisons and make a difference in the lives of people with addictions. Studies show that the use of social service and rehabilitation leads to lower rates of reoffenders.
Most participants continue to remain sober, work steady jobs and lead meaningful lives after completing their treatment and drug court program. The positive response of participants in drug court has shown that addicts can be rehabilitated and do not always need to be sent to prison for their crimes.
