New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s no stranger to those in recovery. Over the years, he’s worked to improve access to treatment, remove the stigma of addiction, expand New Jersey’s drug court program, and much more.
Like Russell Brand’s passionate take on treating addiction as a disease rather than a crime, Christie believes in a more personal approach to fighting addiction.
He’s also no stranger to controversy, which makes sense when you’re working to fight something as polarizing as addiction. Christie’s various drug court programs have sparked a lot of debate – some good, some bad, and some ugly.
Under his plan, nonviolent drug offenders are required to participate in drug courts. These are, at their most basic, programs that aim to keep addicts out of jail and introduce them to treatment, consequences, and accountability.
Sounds good to us! Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Governor Christie’s drug courts.
PRO: Addicts Are Getting the Help they Need
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – sending someone struggling with substance abuse to jail isn’t treatment. You know what’s treatment? You know what helps men and women recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body?
Sending them to treatment!
Just take a look at the numbers. According to a three year study from the New Jersey Department of Corrections, State Parole Board, and Juvenile Justice Commission, 56% of inmates released after a drug arrest end up back behind bars.
Now compare that with the numbers from the Christie’s drug courts. Within three-years of enrolling in drug court, the rate of re-arrest in New Jersey for new indictable crimes was just over 18%.
18% is significantly lower than 56%. I think we can all agree drug court offers a substantial benefit over jail.
Why? Because of the skills drug courts and treatment teach. We’re talking about things like relapse prevention, healthy coping mechanisms, accountability, the importance of sober supports, and involvement in twelve-step fellowships.
CON: Do You Have to Commit a Crime to Get Help?
As Christie’s program’s currently composed, no resources are being put toward getting addicts help before they commit a crime. This means that, despite being a step in the right direction, drug courts are still reactive rather than proactive.
There’s been talk about implementing something similar to the Gloucester Initiative in New Jersey. In short, this would allow police to offer treatment rather than jail to addicts who come to them for help.
Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey regularly visits the Hudson County jail and offers help to inmates struggling with addiction. This takes the form of the Substance Abuse Recovery and Reintegration Program at the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
McGreevey’s program pairs education, counseling, employment services, and housing assistance to inmates. Again, this isn’t proactive, but it’s a far cry from the draconian drug laws America’s used to.
PRO: In the End, Drug Court is Cheaper than Jail
While the human cost of saving and changing lives can’t be translated into dollars and cents, certain things can.
For example, according to Christie, New Jersey spends around $39,000 per year to keep someone in jail. By comparison, it costs only around $11,000 to put that same person through drug court for one year.
That’s a savings of $28,000 per year. Let’s multiple that by the 18,163 people that have come through NJ’s drug courts since 2002. The result? An astounding $508,564,000 saved in 13 years.
That’s a lot of money. Again, the human benefit can’t be measured in money. Still, saving over 500 million dollars enables New Jersey to do a lot.
CON: Non-Violent Drug Offenders Will Receive Priority Over Volunteers
Through Christie’s drug courts, non-violent drug offenders receive priority beds at inpatient treatment centers. That means they’re able to get into treatment quickly and don’t have to battle back and forth with insurance companies.
In turn, this leaves fewer beds for people who voluntarily seek treatment. When you consider that only slightly above 11% of those who need treatment get it…this doesn’t seem like a good situation for New Jersey to find itself in.
What’s the final word on Governor Chris Christie’s drug court program? Well, there isn’t a single takeaway. Rather, depending on who’s asked, it’s a lifesaver or a loophole for addicts.
What do you think about NJ’s drug courts? Have you or a loved one experienced them firsthand? Let us know on social media!
Featured image found via Flickr user Mark Nozell