Substance Abuse Treatment Paper

I chose to research substance abuse treatment programs. This subject interests me because I am going into substance abuse counseling as my profession. The field of corrections needs a better understanding and ways to help to in need of substance abuse treatment. I learned a lot about my topic of treatment for substance abuse in prison, voluntary and involuntary treatment centers.
I found that some goals of the people that are entering substance abuse treatment centers and their addictions are rarely straightforward, because the most addictions are complex in the way they are treated and some may call addiction a disease. Treatment approaches vary, depending upon the users needs. Substance abuse does not occur overnight and people often have

Molecular and imaging studies have revealed addiction as a brain disorder with a strong genetic component, and this has galvanized research on new pharmacological treatments. However, a large disconnect remains between addiction research and the treatment of addiction in general, particularly within the criminal justice system. This is evidenced in that most prisoners 80% who could benefit from drug abuse treatment do not receive it.

This is where the correction system needs to be improved and why I want to become a counselor for the addicted public. The need is obviously out there for the individual to assist in helping the addicted public in our prison system. Without the people in the correct jobs, there is no way changes can be made. In addition, drug-using offenders are at higher risk for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis and frequently have psychiatric disorders, which highlight the need for treatment of this population. Not treating a drug abuser is a missed opportunity to simultaneously improve both public health and safety. Integrating treatment in the criminal justice system would provide treatment to individuals who otherwise would not receive it, improving their medical outcomes and decreasing their rates of