Court Mandated Addiction Programs in Massachusetts

What Happens at a Court-Ordered Drug or Alcohol Treatment Program?

The Courts

When someone is ordered by a court in Massachusetts to enter an addiction program, they will receive treatment to overcome their addictions while their court actions are pending. During court-ordered treatment in Massachusetts, the individual may also be required to perform community service and pay monetary compensation to the courts, depending on the circumstances. However, the primary goal of the courts is to address the individual's underlying problem through a proven treatment program that reduces the likelihood of future legal issues.

If a judge orders someone to enter a treatment program, the program is expected to document their participation and provide attendance and compliance records.  Stipulations of the court may also include mandatory testing. Treatment programs are typically assigned a minimum number of hours, and the court may also require drug and alcohol testing to ensure the individual remains sober during the treatment process. The court's goal with court mandated treatment is not punitive. It is for the individual to receive the correct care that will facilitate positive changes in their life and prevent further run-ins with the law. While the steps the court assigns will feel like they don't trust the individual it is a far better option to turn an individual's life around. Statistically 95% of inmates return to drug and alcohol abuse after their release. The courts understand this. 

Sameem Treatment Programs

Sameem Behavioral Health provides customized treatment programs for each individual. Our process begins with an assessment to determine the correct treatment plan.  We do not offer "court order" treatment with the sole intent of helping individuals check that box off.  While some courts may accept your particpation in attending a string of group meetings Sameem Behavioral Health believes in treating the individual to live a Healthier Life.  Getting there means successfully overcoming your addiction, which is Sameem's primary goal with our programs. 

For more information on our individual programs and the services. take a look at our services page.  Here we discuss Individual Therapies, Group Therapies, Intensive Outpatient Programs, Medication Assisted Therapy Programs, and our Testing Services.

Give us a call today at 617-213-6887 or connect with us online to get started and learn more about our addiction treatment services.

What is court-ordered rehab?

In the past, addiction was viewed as a moral failing and treated as a criminal issue. However, recent scientific and medical advancements have recognized addiction and substance use disorder as public health concerns. Increasingly, addiction and substance abuse are being treated with rehabilitation methods, not with incarceration. Rather than sentencing the individual to prison, the judge recognizes the importance of treating the root cause of the problem. This approach is not just a means of rehabilitating the individual but is also viewed as beneficial for society.

Several key factors make court-ordered rehab a vital aspect of the judicial system:

• Benefits for Society: Rehabilitation is more cost-effective than incarceration, as it helps transform individuals into productive members of society instead of confining them at taxpayers' expense.

• Recidivism Rates: Data suggests that court-ordered rehabilitation reduces the likelihood of individuals re-offending. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, such as addiction, rehabilitation is a sustainable solution to reducing crime rates. 

• Alternative to Incarceration: Incarceration systems across the country are struggling with overcrowding. Court-ordered rehabilitation addresses this issue as well. Non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues can be diverted to treatment facilities, allowing prisons to focus on more severe criminals.

Unfortunately, alcohol and drug addiction often lead individuals to commit crimes while under the influence or to acquire the substance. Estimates indicate that 80% of all offenses that lead to jail in the U.S. stem from drug or alcohol abuse. Some of the most prevalent drug and alcohol-fueled crimes include domestic violence, DUIs, and property crimes.

Additional Facts About Incarcerated Substance Abusers:

• 50% of all jail and prison inmates meet the criteria for clinical addiction
• 60% of all arrested persons test positive for illegal drugs at the time of their arrests
• 20% of prisoners claim they committed their crime to obtain money for drugs
• 95% of inmates return to drug and alcohol abuse after their release

Why Court-Ordered Rehab is Best for Society

Substance abuse disorder is a complex health condition that arises from various complexity root cause factors, including:

1. Biological
2. Genetic
3. Emotional
4. Societal
   

Science is still exploring the depths of substance abuse disorder. But the evidence is clear that incarceration and forced abstinence do not address biological, genetic, emotional or societal root causes of substance abuse disorder. Imprisonment does not provide substance abusers the tools to help them avoid relapse, or to seek help from the appropriate facilities upon release.   In fact, upon release, 95% of offenders return to abusing drugs or alcohol and are highly likely to become a repeat offender.

By ordering rehab and substance abuse treatment, the courts are getting to the root issue. They are equipping offenders with the tools to help them address the root of their disorder. Court-ordered rehab gives people the best chance to recover from substance abuse and begin living a life free from crime.

What happens if someone fails to complete court-ordered rehab?

If a person is ordered by a judge to attend rehab, they are required to complete the program. If they fail to follow the orders set by the court, they will be prosecuted for their crime to the fullest extent of the law. Offenders can plead guilty, but they will be convicted and may have to face fines or jail time associated with the offense. The purpose of court-ordered rehab is to provide offenders with an opportunity to overcome their addiction and avoid criminal prosecution for their disorder.

Additionally, if the court-ordered rehab program is successfully completed, the charges may be reduced or dropped, and the crime may not be recorded on ones criminal record. Court-ordered rehab gives people a chance to start fresh after they have addressed the root cause of their addiction, and avoid future criminal behavior.