Incarceration Or Rehabilitation: What Works Best?

‘Society has a problem on its hands. In 2006, alcohol and drugs were associated with 78% of all violent crimes, 83% of property crimes and 77% of public order, immigration or weapons offenses and probation/parole violations. Substance abuse among offenders continues to concern policy makers because of its high prevalence and its effect on criminal behavior. Are we taking the best steps to minimize the damage in such a delicate situation?
Our answer to substance abuse has mostly been incarceration. An overwhelming 85% of the 2.3 million inmates in the American jail system landed there for substance-related offences. This was a 43% year-on-year growth for such discretion. The numbers are rising and effectiveness of incarceration is still debatable. Two-thirds of prisoners reoffend within three years of leaving prison, often with a much more serious and violent offense. Incarceration can be detrimental to the recovery of an addict.’
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