While addiction can be detrimental to a person’s health as well as their personal relationships, it can also lead to serious run-ins with the law.
Whether it’s a DWI, the possession of an illegal drug, or a crime committed while under the influence of drugs, many addicts can find themselves facing serious jail time as a result of their substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, these problems often do not stop when a person is finally out of jail.
Relapse and Probation Violations
As a drug rehab in Langhorne, PA, we know that for many recovering addicts, relapse is a part of the recovery process; so long as the addict seeks help following this setback and it doesn’t turn back into addiction, relapse can be okay. For those on probation, relapse can be much more problematic. Probation terms often include routine drug tests to ensure that the person is clean. Pennsylvania follows a zero-tolerance drug policy, so one failed drug test is considered a probation violation. The result could lead to serious legal consequences. Penalties for violating parole are at the discretion of the judge, but in some cases, offenders could serve more jail time. For those addicts who are struggling with the disease of addiction, a common slip-up could send them back behind bars.Dealing With Addiction and Drug Probation Violations
The number of drug addicts in prison and jail is alarmingly high compared to the regular population, and unfortunately, these facilities are often not well equipped to handle substance abuse problems. Addiction is a lifelong disease that requires lifelong commitment and support, which many prisons are unable to provide successfully. For most people, lifelong support includes a formal partial hospitalization program or other treatment plan and the practice of active sobriety afterward. Unfortunately, while an estimated half of the people on parole need treatment, only about 18% actually received it.1 The result is a large percentage of people trying to combat addiction on their own, leading to more relapses and drug probation violations.Instead of always sending addicts who relapse back to prison, Pennsylvania uses drug treatment courts, which is a voluntary system that follows many of the same restrictions as probation, but also requires treatments as an alternative to jail time. These systems are specifically meant to help those struggling with addiction become sober and productive members of society, but as with other drug or alcohol treatment programs, not everyone will find success this way. Other state campaigns focus on prevention, but for those already in the system, it is too late.
Addiction is a terrible disease that can, unfortunately, lead to serious legal issues. Without treatment, a life of addiction and jail time can be the result. Do not let your loved one fall into this dangerous cycle.
Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about Banyan Philadelphia and our programs.
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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.
