NCJ Number
219095
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 42 Issue: 2-3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 243-256
Date Published
2007
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the consequences of punitive policies aimed at drug offenders despite their recovery efforts.
Abstract
The main argument is that the primary goals and benefits of drug courts and other criminal justice drug treatment initiatives cannot be realized without changes in other areas of public policy regarding drug offenders that serve to punish them despite recovery accomplishments. The author calls on policymakers to begin to address the glaring disparity between the intentions and interventions of the criminal justice system toward drug offenders and other social policies regarding drug offenders that remain overwhelmingly punitive. The author argues that while offenders can satisfactorily complete drug court programs or other drug treatment programs and remain drug-free, law-abiding citizens, punitive policies in the United States serve to undermine the success of their recovery as well as the often considerable efforts made toward that recovery. Specific policies targeted for criticism include the denial of: (1) welfare benefits to persons charged/convicted of drug offenses; (2) educational loans or other benefits to persons charged/convicted of drug offenses; (3) public housing to persons charged/convicted of drug offenses; (4) voting rights to persons with felony convictions; and (5) legal immigration status for persons charged/convicted of drug offenses. While gains toward treating drug offenders have been made in the criminal justice system and through community-based organizations, the punitive policies that continue to punish drug offenders serve to mute the gains made toward recovery, gains that include becoming drug-free, obtaining a job, regaining child custody, and generally becoming a law-abiding and tax-paying citizen. Future research should focus on how drug offenders are treated by other public systems. Notes, references