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Reducing criminal activity after drug detox programs

The positive effects of entering into and completing a drug treatment program can be incredible.  It can positively affect how people so in their relationships, their careers and even their health.  But one of the most positive effects that can arise from a drug detox or rehab program can be the reduction in criminal activity that can accompany a successful treatment intervention.  The improvements that this can lead to can be immense, both for the individual in question and also for the community they live in.

A recent study by the National Treatment Agency for substance abuse found that after successfully completing a drug treatment program, crimes committed by drug users fell by almost half, indicating a marked improvement in re-offending rates (NTA, 2012).

These findings are thought to suggest that those who are no longer dependent on drugs tend to need to commit fewer crimes as they no longer need money to feed their habit.  Of course some individuals unfortunately still commit crimes, following treatment, but the positive results highlight how successful treatment can be in reducing criminal activity, compared to a prison sentence.  The study is especially important as it monitors actual convictions, rather than self reported crimes, as previous studies have done.  This seemingly subtle distinction is important as it empirically supports the idea that treatment helps to cut levels of re-offending compared to simply receiving a prison sentence. 

Helping addiction sufferers to become free for addiction can be one of the most important tasks for the justice system as it is able to improve their lives on many levels, and help them reintegrate into society as productive members.  This drop in re-offending rates will often help individuals begin to rebuild their lives as they will increase their chances of finding a job and steady accommodation, which are crucial in order to help people begin a new life.  

NTA.  (2012).  Crime halved once addicts are on road to recovery.  Sourced from: http://www.nta.nhs.uk/news-2012-crime-halved.aspx

Published by on 17/05/2020.

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