N.H. officials say rampant drug addiction is driving crime
Public Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes on Friday told fellow members of the Governor's Commission on Alcohol Abuse, Prevention, Intervention and Treatment that 40 percent of the state's highway fatalities are linked to drug or alcohol abuse. He …
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Grant Hackett enters rehab: Australian swimmer seeks treatment for drug abuse …
It is the second time the swimmer has battled an addiction to the drug. In 2012, towards the end of his swimming career, he told the Sydney Daily Telegraph that he had a “heavy reliance” on the medication after first being given it by swimming officials.
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New drug treatment facility proposed
Last September the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction services, which licenses agencies like Parmadale, placed the facility on probation amid allegations that a former employee had sex with a girl there. Last month, Catholic Charities said …
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Question by ebizartistry: For Substance addiction counselors…please?
Many courts require as a matter of their S.O.P. that any drug/alcohol related misdeameanor be ordered to participate in their drug and alcohol program which is fee based paid to the court, or seek counseling from a private institution.

I question the true therapeutic value of court mandated substance abuse counseling, as well as its effectiveness in helping its clients with drug addiction issues. I have spoke with many people over the years who have been ordered to this program and most, if not all, have indicated that it is a great place to swap war stories and network for new connections. It does however generate a lot of revenue for the court.

How does the counseling profession feel about persons being “ordered” to participate in their services? Does it limit the availability of beds for those who desire to, and choose to get clean themselves?

Best answer:

Answer by parkermbg
there are several key factors that go into “court mandated recovery”
1. the courts (& society) would rather see you recover than go to prison.
2. prisons are over-crowded, so any seemingly viable option is worth reaching for
3. there truly is insufficient infrastructure to deal with drug related crimes
4. most courts do not do success/failure statistics on this mandated recovery, they just hope for the best! if even 5% of offenders stop abusing-then its a good thing.

as for the recovery comunity;
professionals, recovery homes, and even 12 step meetings often get annoyed with those individuals that do not take recovery seriously. some long term programs would fold if the courts stopped sending them bodies, but certainly most of these groups and professionals want to reach as many addicts as possible, so the courts scatter gun theory (throw enough crap against the wall & some of it has gotta stick) is tolerated. those who truly want to be free of drugs will find a way (hopefully).

Add your own answer in the comments!

Mercy to add million behavioral unit
The $ 21 million facility not only will allow the health system to consolidate its mental health services under one roof but it also will increase treatment options, including alcohol and drug addiction services. Patients will not have to travel for …
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The Holistic Sanctuary Is Rescuing Addicts Victimized By Conventional Drug …
these are words being used by patients undergoing permanent, positive life-changing treatments at The Holistic Sanctuary to describe their experience in conventional 12-step rehab programs. Many arrive at the center 'on their last legs' as a result of …
Read more on PR Web (press release)

Detox center opens in Toms River, as six more people die from heroin overdose …
Starting in mid-February, people who struggle with drug addiction will have a new place that they can turn to for help. Sunrise Detox, an inpatient drug and alcohol detox center, opened Wednesday at 16 Whitesville Road. “It oozes quality and …
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Anaheim Drug Detox for Alcohol & Drug Addiction Announced
An Anaheim drug detox center is announcing that it is now offering services to help adults and adolescents stop their alcohol and drug addiction through Drug Addiction Treatment Centers. Detoxification is defined as "the physiological or medicinal …
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Marijuana: Making a case against legalization
Addiction treatment specialists, when asked, will explain that, of the many sad drug addiction stories they've heard, virtually all include marijuana as one of the first drugs used. Over time, marijuana use impairs short-term memory, attention …
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Ex-addict relates road to recovery
Counselors, court officers and health-care workers filled a conference room Friday morning at Medina Hospital for a presentation on drugs and addiction. China Darrington, a former drug addict, talks about … Darrington said that's because heroin and …
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Which Drug is Your State Most Addicted to? America's Drug Problem, Mapped
Alabama: Marijuana is the most commonly cited drug among primary drug treatment admissions in Alabama, followed by cocaine and other opiates including prescription drugs. – Alaska: In 2010, marijuana is the most commonly cited drug among primary …
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