Substance Abuse Treatment and Proposition 36 - 1208 Words

With California jails and prisons still struggling with finding a reform for non-violent drug offenders the states recidivism rates continue to reach unprecedented numbers. Between 1983 and 1998, drug admissions to state and federal prisons increased sixteen-fold, from over 10,000 drug admissions in 1983 to almost 167,000 new prison entries for drug offenses in 1998 (Worrall et al, 2009). This has been a direct result of our legal system incarcerating offenders who have substance abuse related issues instead of providing a way for treatment or rehabilitation outside of incarceration. Through public policies regarding criminal justice interventions that address drug use and crime, an initiative was created to provide treatment services†¦show more content†¦As a result of the law not clearly expressing which drug violations were eligible for the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act (SACPA), guidelines had to be set for which non-violent drug possession offenses and whi ch offenders were deemed eligible for Prop-36 sentencing. The primary goal of the Proposition 36 program is to divert substance using offenders from likely incarceration into the community where they can access and benefit from substance abuse treatment (Evans et al, 2011). With this goal in mind thousands of offenders who were destined for a jail cell could receive the proper treatment needed and our states recidivism rate would go down. This was not only a goal of Proposition 36 but a great success. SACPA is considered a successful program with tens of thousands of offenders enrolling each year, resulting in outcomes comparable to those commonly observed in residential treatment facilities. Although the determination of a cost benefit ratio for SACPA is beyond the scope of the available data, the savings of $2317 per offender allows us to project about $97.3 million in savings over the long term for the nearly 42,000 offenders affected during the first year of SACPA implementation (Anglin et al. 2013). Given such a substantial find ing suggests that moving drug offenders from the correctional system andShow MoreRelatedNon-Violent Drug Offenders -Porp. 361741 Words   |  7 Pagessolution lies within treatment facilities and expanded social programs. With both sides having valid points we must then evaluate what is the cost of correcting this problem is and if fixing these non-violent offenders are worth it. A plan that would help in the over population of the prisons is to have the non-violent drug offenders sent to treatment instead of prison, to have them spend time in halfway homes, and be monitored by probation officers. A plan called Proposition 36. This plan was passedRead MorePropostition 36 Essay example1210 Words   |  5 PagesPropostition 36 Where has our war on drugs gotten us thus far? Currently, nearly 500,000 Americans are incarcerated for drug law violations, a ten-fold increase in two decades. The overall inmate population has quadrupled to nearly 2 million arrests for drug law violations and continues to rise. The vast majority of these arrests are for simple possession. (Crime in The United States, Uniform Crime Reports, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1999.) Personally, three convicted drug-users haveRead MoreThe Drug Problem and the Current Justice System Essay1823 Words   |  8 Pagesneither. Even though drug abuse and drug trafficking are widely spread national issues, the mental, social, and economic costs of healing through incarceration are only making the disease worse. Never before have more prisoners been locked up on drug offenses than today. Mixed with the extremely high risks of todays prison environment, the concept of incarceration as punishment for drug offenders cannot be successful. Without the correct form of rehabilitation through treatment within Michigans CorrectionalRead MoreThe And Its Effects On The United States955 Words   |  4 Pageshigh recidivism rate in prisons. Treatment is a good place to start working towards a resolution, and is finally being implemented into the penal system as an alternative sentencing option. Saving and changing many lives while giving the offender an opportunity to turn his/her life around. While some members of our community might understandably disagree with what may be perceived as lenient sentences. The success rate and results can speak for themselves. The treatment alternative is proving to be asRead MoreEssay about Medical Marijuana1525 Words   |  7 PagesMarijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known. No one has ever died from an overdose. It is also extremely versatile. Four of its general therapeutic applications include: relief from nausea and increase of appetite; reduction of intraocular (within the eye) pressure; reduction of muscle spasms; relief from mild to moderate chronic pain. Marijuana is often useful in the treatment of the following conditions: Cancer: Marijuana alleviates the nauseaRead MoreShould Drug Offenders Be Sent?2660 Words   |  11 Pagesthe population in jails and prisons has increased by 500%.(cite) Much of the increase of population is drug offenders. The main question is; should drug offenders be sent to jail or treatment programs? The cost of housing an inmate is very expensive compared to what it costs for and individual to receive treatment, and attend programs. It is very important to determine what would be best for the individuals with drug charges, because it needs to benefit the cost, and also actually aid the personRead MoreCalifornia Crime Essay2233 Words   |  9 Pagesour society. What polices has California put into place from the 1990’s to address crime. The costs and consequences of these policies and whether or not the Three Strike Rule has been worth it. What has California done in proposition of crime? The Three Strike rule is a reserved power of the states, no decision made is federal, thus there are many heated debates over whether it should have been implemented or not. The California three strike sentencing law was originally enactedRead MoreEssay on Argument for Legalization of Marijuana 1455 Words   |  6 Pagescontroversial drugs in America. 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Proposition 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative for adult use just passed after election, California is added into the list of 26 states legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purpose which could increase the number of women usingRead MoreThe Effects Of Marijuana On Pregnant Women And On A Fetus1247 Words   |  5 PagesCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 40-60% of marijuana users continue to use during pregnancy. Studies have also shown that marijuana crosses the placenta negatively affecting brain development, and increasing the risk of pre-term birth. Proposition 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative for adult use just passed after the election, California is added into the list of 26 states legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purpose which could increase the number of women using