From health problems to poor mental health, drug abuse can lead to many problems, but it doesn’t always stop there.
At Banyan Pompano, we offer everything from cocaine to alcohol addiction treatment, so we know that people will go to great lengths to get their fix. Sometimes drugs can even lead people to land themselves a spot in prison.
Drug Addicts in Prison
The percentage of inmates with substance abuse problems is high. The Department of Justice found that 58% of state prisons and 63% of sentenced jail inmates qualified for drug dependence or abuse compared to just 5% of the general population that met the same criteria.1 This is alarmingly high and their drug abuse may be the reason that they are now stuck in that cell.The number of drug offenders in federal prison is also high. One study found that almost half of federal prisoners were serving time for drug trafficking.2 If their sentencing wasn’t directly related to drugs, it could still play a factor in their prison time. Another report found that alcohol and drugs are factors in 78% of violent crimes, 83% of property crimes, 77% of crimes related to immigration offenses, weapons offenses, and parole violations.3 These numbers suggest that the majority of prisoners are serving time either directly or indirectly because of drugs. While the majority of people abusing drugs or alcohol are not necessarily violent, a partial hospitalization program for addiction may have been able to save these people from prison time.
Drug Abuse Inside Prisons
With so many prisoners who are used to abusing drugs or who are addicted to these substances, what happens when they go to prison? Addiction in prison is a sticky situation and unfortunately, not everyone gets the help they need. A study found that of the prisoners who are dependent on drugs or abuse them, only 28% participate in a treatment program since their admission.1Because not nearly enough people are getting help, drugs in prison can be a problem. From getting loved ones to smuggle in drugs to bribing prison guards, prisoners are finding ways to fill their drug needs. There have even been instances of drug abuse in these facilities. One prison even set up an entire drone drug smuggling operation.4
Reducing Drugs In Prison
Treatment before the addiction gets to the point of criminal activity could be the answer to both the number of drug-related crimes and the number of drugs in prison. A study found that of the 20 states that admit the most people to treatment per 100,000 people, all but one of them had incarceration rates below the national average.2 As a drug treatment center in Pompano, we know that many people neglect to get help until it is too late.Whether you or a loved one struggles with a drug or alcohol problem, do not wait until a run-in with the law to get help.
At Banyan Pompano, we work with people in all stages of addiction and help them create a brighter future. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to get started.
Sources:
- S Department of Justice - Drug Use, Dependence, and Abuse Among State Prisoners and Jail Inmates, 2007-2009
- Drug War Facts - Drugs and the Correctional System (Prisons, Jails, Probation and Parole)
- APHA - Online only: Report finds most U.S. inmates suffer from substance abuse or addiction
- NPR - Prisons Work To Keep Out Drug-Smuggling Drones
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
