Drug Court Research Paper

The first drug court was established in Miami-Dade, Florida in 1989 (National Association of Drug Professionals). Drug courts were established because of the “revolving door of drug use” and increasing recidivism rates. Drug courts have the ability to change a person’s life for the better by teaching them how to beat their addictions while providing the proper treatments for each offender. As a result, of the ongoing development of drug courts, it is unfair to expect the system to be indefectible. Drug court programs usually take between six months to a year to be completed. As stated by the National Association of Drug Professionals, 80% of drug abusers commit a new crime (typically a drug-driven crime) after release from prison …show more content…
Some of which are to provide an alternative to incarceration for offenders that committed crimes that are drug related. Also, they would like to reduce criminal justice costs by reducing addiction and street crime. Furthermore, they want to provide incentives for defendants as motivators to not only participate in the program but for them to complete the program. The treatment program is successful in achieving the goals that are set because they provide their participants with a certificate after completing the first 90 days of the program. Providing the participant with a reward shows that their efforts are not going unnoticed. Additionally, a reward could be the push that an offender may need to get on the right path. Another element that contributes to the success of the program is that it provides the participant with the tools to better themselves. Of Course, this is only effective when the offender has the desire to better themselves. Baltimore city drug program graduate Sam Gilbert states, “The supervision of this program will keep you straight if you want to be straight,"(2014). Gilbert is an example of how the drug program can be beneficial to participants that take advantage of the opportunity that is placed in front of …show more content…
Rapper Macklemore spoke to current participants about how he lost his connection music when he was battling his addiction. News Reporter Allison Morrow states that Macklemore 's story” resonated especially with a young drug court participant whose recovery is getting him closer to his dream of becoming a writer”(2014). Another factor contributing to the success of the King County treatment program is that it changes lives while repairing the offender. King County drug program participant Alex cross states that “I don’t ever have to go back to jail ever again. I don’t ever have to wake up in a bush or wake up withdrawing ever again. That’s amazing” which shows the impact that this drug program is having on the people that are invested in this program