This recent study confirms what those of us who have worked in rehab already knew – Rehab does make a difference and is a viable alternative to incarceration. It is a better alternative for the addict, family and society. Drug addicts already have a lowered sense of self esteem. Their addiction has driven them to do things that they would not ordinarily do and they feel ashamed. Jail just confirms what they are already starting to believe – that they are no good and there is no hope. Addiction treatment, on the other hand and at the very least, provides a caring atmosphere from which a person can get clean and examine who they really are. Upon examination, most individuals learn that they are basically good people who simply took a wrong turn. From this viewpoint it is easy to decide to learn from drug rehabilitation and take a new direction in life. Locking someone up confirms that notion that one is no good. It is no wonder that crime rates are higher when drug addicts are locked up.
Whether it is crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, oxycontin or any other drug, the results are the same. Most people can either be fully rehabilitated from addiction or they can be pushed further into the mud and their lives totally ruined. It is up to us to say which that will be.
