Why do you think jail is, or is not, effective for drug use?

Answer 1

Jail is not very effective against drug use because drugs are still readily available in jail.

Answer 2

Jail is VERY effective for drug use. If you want a constant, never-ending supply of drugs, GO TO JAIL! You won't have the inconvenience of trying to track down a dealer at 3:00 in the morning when you need your next 'hit'.

If, on the other hand, you're asking whether jail is an effective detterent to drug use, the answer is NO. Professional rehabilitation is the only effective way to get 'clean', and that's only effective about half the time. Drugs, like alcohol, can destroy people's life. Sending them to jail just because you make drugs illegal won't stop drug-users, just as Prohibition didn't stop alcohol-abusers. -RKO-

Answer 3

The answer is no. People resort to drugs by curiosity, depression, experimentation and some become addicted. Addiction is not easily treatable and the return rate is pretty high. They need help by people who understand the cravings and the needs (both physical and emotional) and not jail. Some young people can't handle life as they know it, but they can be turned around if someone works with them. Some older people fall to drugs as the stress of their work life is destroying them. Many cops become alcoholics because of the horrors of their work and many of the politicians and lawyers yield to cocaine for a brief refuge from stress. Jail does nothing except create hate towards authorities, disrespect for the law and with the financial burden or court, fines, and probation give the person a new reason to seek a bit of relief. Drug dealers are different as they open the door to misery for others and should be punished harshly, but I am talking about an average person that just wanted a bit of 'loose-mind' time.

Answer 4

Drugs are just as easy to get in jail as on the streets. Only the person addicted to them can stop. They have to want to or even if they don't get the drugs in jail they will go back to them when they get out.

Answer 5

I know that it very uneffective. My husband went to prison for 3 years for crimes committed due to drug use but never got rehab or anything and within 5 months of being out he went back again for 2 more years. I unfourtly am on probation for drugs too--but instead of locking me up they gave me programs that I have to go to for a while. Anyway when he gets out if they dont make him take the programs I will becaise I really think it will all happen again if he dont get help. Also as far as it being easy to get drugs while locked up that depends on where you are. In 2 county jails that he was at he didnt see or hear of ANY drugs. But within a week of being in the State Prison he was offered all types of drugs on 5 occassions. Thats is what worries me. So far he clams he's stayin clean but how can I be sure.?

Answer 6

I think the idea of it is effective, "Do drugs and you go to jail". Though in the jail drugs are easy to get. It may seem like the best idea would be a kind of treatement program, but i must say, if you get into drugs its your own stupid fault, its well known that you shouldnt do drugs so you get what you deserve.

Answer 7

I believe jail is not rehabilitation for drug offenders. Drugs are a disease. Drugs are a big part of society's problem, its an ongoing problem yet no one has the answer to the questions. I think a long rehabilitation and group therapy helps allot. Absence and education helps. A person needs to be ready to quit or no treatment will ever work.

Answer 8

I don't feel incarceration does a lot of good for a drug user. Perhaps its because its a natural consequence of their actions,so maybe they get clean in jail,but once back on the streets it starts all over again with jail found connections. treatment is a farce in most programs ,faith based programs are not going to work,the addicted person has to be the one to want to quit badly enough to facilitate his /her own recovery. It is said that insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over the exact same way ,and expecting different results. so to change something you must change things in your way of doing them,where you live.where you hang out,change your friends and then maybe ,just maybe you can get your life together. But its still only one day at a time ,you will always be an addict,but hopefully a recovering addict.

Answer 9

Imho, jail is not an effective solution to the problem of drugs. Drus use is an addiction , the people need help , not to be exposed to other more dangerous members of the criminal society.

Counseling and treatment at drug rehabilitation centres is the key to reducing drug use. Once addicts get out, they need the support from family and society to help them along their way. Only then , can they muster the willpower to resist the seductive lure of available drugs , it is when they know people care about them.

Answer 10

Alcoholism/drug addiction is an illness, therefore unless the illness is treated just locking someone away from the drug source will not help..... they will just use when they are released.

Alcoholics/addicts have an allergic reaction to mind altering substances, which is an obssession of the mind and a physical craving - THE ILLNESS NEEDS TREATING!

I also suffer from this illness and the ONLY way i have found to treat this destructive illness (and i've tried many ways) is the 12 step fellowship programs.

Therefore if the prison also incorporates a rehabilitation program incorporating a 12 step program then , yes, it can work and i know many people who have found recovery through prisons.