Drug Abusers: Rehabilitation or Imprisonment? (Persuasive)

If you found yourself down a slippery slope of drug addiction, and felt like there was no escape that didn’t involve the poisonous end of a needle, wouldn’t you want a second chance? Despite their history with drug involvement, they are being thrown in jail with no treatment whatsoever, when they should instead be sent to recuperation centers. This absence of care to those in need of assistance is the main factor that is bringing many families and communities down a spiraling path of despair.

It is up to our country to help those who have fallen into the hands of drugs and improve their quality of life. This guidance and treatment, both physical and mental, will be the fresh paved road to a drug abuser’s otherwise cracked and crippling path.

A recent Pew Research Center poll, consisted of 1,821 participants, found that Americans view drug addiction as a “mental illness” and a “disease”, opposed to personal flaw. This study shows that drug addiction should be handled on a more serious note and drug addicts must be treated with just as serious treatment as any other leading illness. It comes to show that drug addicts are in desperate need of help and should not be punished for their wrongdoings.

When another poll was conducted via Twitter, Christine Herrera asked whether or not drug addicts should be prosecuted or receive medical help. As a result, 94 percent of the 62 participants voted for drug abusers to receive medical treatment. Like the Pew Research Center poll, the majority of surveyors were in favor of providing rehabilitation services for drug abusers.

But, as an attempt to bring an end to drug addiction, drug abusers are being incarcerated. Unfortunately, drug abuse has not improved in the past three decades. Therefore, incarcerating them is not an effective way of resolving this issue. Politicians, judges, prosecutors, and police departments must come to the realization that incarceration is not the answer to drug abuse, but rather seeking help for them in order to stop such harmful activities that come along with drug use. When drug addicts get treatment for their addiction, the likelihood of crimes and incarcerations associated with drug use is significantly lowered. Donovan conducted a Twitter poll, and asked “Would sending drug addicts to rehab/medical facilities instead of jail reduce crime rate involved with drug activity?” Out of the 21 surveyors, 62 percent believe that admitting drug addicts into rehabilitation facilities will reduce the likelihood of crimes involved with drug activity.

It can be argued that sending drug abusers to prison can be considered a quick and easy solution. But, is imprisonment the most effective way of handling with drug abuse? The opportunity of getting medical help when addicted to drugs can provide a positive outlook on the future of both the drug addict and the community.

To negate the resolution, drug abusers were completely aware of their involvement with drugs and the consequences, which accompanied them. When drug addicts are sent directly to prison, it does not necessarily mean that they cannot receive the medical attention they need. This allows them to restrain from the drug use for a period of time.

One may argue that drug addicts are not in the right state of mind as they use drugs. But, that does not authorize drug addicts to use their poor mental state as an excuse to commit unlawful crimes. Also, drug addicts do need to serve time in prison especially when they have committed drug-related crimes.

Through a series of surveys and studies, it is shown that the majority of participants are in favor of sending drug users to rehab facilities. On the other hand, incarcerating drug users allow them to be disciplined. Drug addicts have the potential to improve themselves as individuals, in order to better themselves with the help of the nation.

Drug abusers deserve a second chance at restoring their mental and physical health through rehabilitation centers instead of prison and although the drug user could slip back into their drug-using ways, it is up to us to ensure that they at least have a chance to a road of recuperation.