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In this episode of the Recovery Rebirth Podcast we discuss how punitive treatment toward addiction (e.g. incarceration) is ineffectual in treating addiction and can actually exacerbate the issue. This approach fails to get at the root of the problem. If we focus on treating the cause (trauma) and not punishing the symptom (addictive behavior), people are far more likely to heal and recover.
Through recovery we can begin to view our loved ones’ addiction as an illness not a moral failing. We are also better able to separate the person from their disease. Remembering that people battling addiction are sick and suffering helps to not take their behavior personally or judge them. Many people in recovery, regardless of their program, experienced varying levels of trauma in their childhood. As a result, maladaptive coping mechanisms are developed, including using addiction, to escape from their problem.
We discuss treatment courts as an alternative to incarceration for people exhibiting addictive behaviors. Yet, if someone violates in treatment court, they are often sent to jail. We ponder increasing treatment if someone is presenting symptomatic for addiction vs. punishing them. We contrast treatment for other diseases, like diabetes or cancer, where people are given the medication/treatment they need along with love and support from family/friends. Why can’t we treat addiction/substance use disorder with the same level of compassion that we do other diseases?
We are clear that we don’t believe violent behavior should be tolerated. We’re talking about the myriad non-violent crimes that lead to incarceration. The punitive approach does not move people toward the solution. It also separates families and perpetuates generational incarceration which has a huge impact on the national economy.
We envision increased funding for treatment and addressing the root causes (e.g. childhood trauma) of addiction/substance use disorder. Creating a continuum of care, like we do for people receiving other forms of healthcare, offers people recovering from addiction/substance use disorder a better chance at arresting their disease. We encourage folks to consider the long-term impact of punitive treatment vs. positive support. Investing in the solution, such as recovery coaches and treatment centers will yield more healthy, happy, productive members of society.
Resources
TED Talk: Everything YouTthink You Know About Addiction is Wrong | Johann Hari
