Thus, the argument for treatment rests largely on a need to protect the public. Ultimately, officials noted, effective policy must be based on science, not politics or ideology. There is no longer any doubt that addiction is a brain disease in which repeated drug use impairs the capacity of the brain to function even after drug use ceases, and that appropriate, comprehensive, and sustained treatment yields enormous benefits for the addict, his or her family, and society. A recent federal study found that 18 months after release, an inmate who receives treatment is 73 percent less likely to be rearrested and 44 percent less likely to return to drug use than one who receives no treatment. Other federal and state studies have found similar results.
Treatment produces obvious financial savings.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University estimates that 80 percent of the cost of incarcerating offenders is linked to substance abuse. By investing in treatment, especially while offenders are in prison and are mandated to comply, society can save billions of dollars when offenders return to society less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and to commit crimes. And society reaps the benefit, of course, when former offenders return to society able to work, pay taxes, and otherwise contribute to their communities. The scope of treatment is important. Experts at the conference repeatedly noted that offenders with substance abuse problems often have a variety of other problems that make it difficult for them to sustain compliance with treatment programs or otherwise maintain productive behavior.