Getting Sober in Jail

Getting Sober in Jail

Getting sober in jail may be the best thing that can happen for someone who is addicted to drugs and alcohol. Many convicts committed crimes while under the influence or committed crimes due to a need to get drugs or alcohol. These individuals may not have committed a crime if they were not addicted to alcohol or drugs. In fact, they may have taken a completely different path in life.

“Recent statistics show that 78% of violent crimes and 84% of property crimes were committed with alcohol and drugs being a major factor.”

Unfortunately, those who are convicted of a crime due to drug or alcohol use may not necessarily get the help that they need. In fact, although 65% of the U.S. prison population meet the medical criteria for addiction treatment, only 11% will ever receive treatment for their substance use disorder (SUD). Those who do not receive any help at all are much more likely to be incarcerated again. 
Those who are able to get sober in jail are more likely to turn their lives around. Jail is also a great time to get sober. After all, these individuals have nothing else to do. They can focus solely on their recovery without getting distracted. Many of these individuals will even choose to study in quiet rooms.
Learn more about getting sober in jail from this article. Get a better understanding of the various addiction treatment programs that are offered in jail, as well as the facilities that offer these programs.

Addiction Treatment Programs in Jail

Not many prisons and jails in the US have an addiction treatment program. In fact, only five prisons in the U.S. have a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid addiction. 
These programs will use a combination of different prescription drugs to help patients get through the withdrawal process. This type of treatment is also known as medical detox.
Some of the more popular prescription medications used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms include:

• Buprenorphine. This prescription drug is a partial opioid agonist. It is less addictive than a full opioid agonist.
• Methadone. This is a full opioid agonist, which has a similar mechanism of action as heroin and other strong opioids. This prescription drug is quite addictive. As a result, many patients will need to take this drug for a long period of time. They will also need to slowly taper off this drug.
• Naltrexone. This is an opioid antagonist. This prescription drug will attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to prevent them from getting stimulated. 

These addiction treatment programs can be incredibly effective. Those who are arrested are often cut off abruptly from drugs. This means that they’ll be in excruciating pain when the withdrawal symptoms kick in. These individuals may also be at risk of falling into a coma, experiencing seizures or dying. 

What Substance Abuse Treatment Programs in Jail Can Do

Many studies show that addiction treatment programs for the in-prison population can be extremely effective. If these programs are well-designed and carefully implemented, they can achieve the following:
Reduce relapse rates. These addiction treatment programs can not only help inmates recover physically, but also emotionally, mentally and psychologically. Many of the inmates who complete these programs are able to entirely change their mentality towards sobriety. 

• Reduce criminality. Those who are able to get sober in jail are less likely to commit a crime once they are released. They are also less likely to be reincarcerated.
• Reduce inmate misconduct. Inmate misconduct is quite common. Those who are struggling with withdrawal symptoms are not going to be in the best state of mind. They are more likely to get into fights and arguments. Those who are able to recover while in jail will be in a better state of mind. They are less likely to act out.
• Improve health and mental health symptoms within the jail. The right type of addiction treatment program will improve overall conditions within the jail. Inmates tend to enjoy better health, and will have a better time with incarceration.
• Increase levels of employment and education upon return to the community. Many people who get sober in jail are likely to receive an education once they are released from prison. These individuals are also more likely to hold a job and become a productive member of society.

The right type of addiction treatment program can do a lot more good than bad.  To be effective, these programs must be able to treat different types of addictions.

The General Process for Getting Into an Addiction Treatment Program in Jail

Opioid withdrawal symptoms are particularly difficult to overcome. In fact, withdrawal symptoms for more potent opioids like heroin can be dangerous and deadly. The general process for being admitted into an addiction treatment program in jail remains relatively similar for all facilities.
Upon getting booked, you will first be directed to the general booking area. You will need to stay there until you are processed and until you are scheduled to appear before a judge. Depending on many factors, such as how busy the jail facility is, it can take up to 3 days for you to be processed and arraigned. Your lawyer can plead your case in front of a judge. 
After you’ve appeared in front of a judge, you will be transported to another facility where you may:

• Receive an assessment for your medical condition. A doctor at the prison or jail may look at the withdrawal symptoms that you experience.
• Be prescribed with a variety of medications. This can be anything from acamprosate for an addiction to alcohol to buprenorphine for an addiction to opioids. 
• Be placed in an addiction treatment program. You may get admitted into an inpatient treatment facility where you may be asked to stay for anywhere from 28 to 90 days.

You can get a better understanding of how the process works by talking to your attorney. The process may differ from state to state. It may also differ depending on the addiction treatment program.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What to Do if Your Prison Doesn’t Have an Addiction Treatment Program in Place

So, what can you do if your prison doesn’t have an addiction treatment program in place? Here are some things that you can do:

• Create and follow some sort of routine. Follow the schedule that the prison provides you with. This can help you improve your discipline, which can also help improve your ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
• Form strong relationships with other inmates. Studies have shown that peer support can be beneficial to those who are in addiction recovery. 
• Enrol in education programs. Most jails will be more than happy to help you elevate your life. This can include anything from getting your GED if you didn’t finish high school to getting your bachelor’s degree. You may also want to take this time to read more of the books in the library. 
• Participate in workout and exercise routines. This can help boost neurochemical levels. It’s a good idea to exercise at least 3 times a week.

You must keep in mind that you may experience much more intense withdrawal symptoms. You should speak with a judge and with your attorney about your concerns. They may be able to make other arrangements for you depending on the circumstances of your situation. 
It’s important to note that those who do not receive any addiction treatment will need more support and medical supervision. These individuals are very vulnerable. It may take them a long time before they feel ready to take on the world.

Amethyst Recovery Center Can Offer Addiction Treatment Programs to the Incarcerated

Anyone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse can get the help that they need from one of our addiction treatment programs. We offer a wide range of substance abuse treatment plans for all types of addictions. It doesn’t matter if you are addicted to heroin, cocaine or any other drug. We can help you recover from an addiction and get the help that you need.
Don’t struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction in silence. There are plenty of addiction resources out there that can help. Amethyst Recovery Center can connect you with the right addiction resources.
If you are interested in learning more about our addiction treatment programs, give us a call at 888-447-7724 or contact us through our online form. We have addiction specialists available throughout the day to answer any and all inquiries that come our way. We can help you gain a better understanding of the addiction treatment that you need to succeed. If you’re looking for an addiction treatment program in jail, we can also help you with that!