Alternatives to Incarceration

Running Head : Alternatives to Incarceration

Alternatives to Incarceration

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Alternatives to Incarceration

` Treatment and rehabilitation of drug offenders has always been an important issue among sociologists . Drug dependence is characterized by intense and uncontrollable behaviors such as craving for the drugs which in many instances has far reaching consequences . The path to drug dependence starts voluntarily but the ability to make a choice is compromised resulting into dependence . It is also important to note that drug addiction linkage to crime is not

in doubt . Drug addicts commit crimes to pay for their habits or some times are influenced by drugs to commit crimes . Consequently , a good number of individuals incarcerated in the United States have drug dependence problems . The need for rehabilitation and treatment of offenders with drug problems as an alternative to incarceration is worth considering (Clunies , 1995

Although a good number of crimes are linked to drug abuse , there is no doubt that incarceration is the best option . Moreover , majority of drug related crimes are victimless and not violent . Diverting such case from the normal criminal justice system to give room for rehabilitation and treatment of the offender is highly recommended . This has been the primary role of drug courts in the United States and other countries Such intervention programs will go a long way in reducing the increased cases of recidivism among individuals accused of drug related crimes There is no doubt that the normal criminal justice system is not well equipped...