WEEK 4 Discussion #2
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School
Walden University *
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Course
1001
Subject
Medicine
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MaloneH
According to Volkow (2021), “We have known for decades that addiction is a medical condition—a
treatable brain disorder—not a character flaw or a form of social deviance” (p. 2). Addiction ought to be
regarded as a medical condition as opposed to a criminal offense. The criminal justice system's approach
to addiction exacerbates stigma and complicates the provision of appropriate medical care. Substantially
large amounts of data indicate that decades of treating drug use as a criminal matter rather than a public
health concern have injured people and other communities of color unfairly.
A public health approach, on the other hand, emphasizes treatment rather than punishment and
seeks to lessen the damage that is brought on by drug use. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is
an organization that promotes the decriminalization of drug use and places an emphasis on health-
oriented strategies (Volkow, 2021).
Particularly, young adults with substance use disorders may not be most effectively engaged in
treatment through the justice system. In addition to worsening physical and mental health outcomes,
penalizing drug use can increase the stigma associated with addiction. A public health strategy that
emphasizes treatment rather than punishment could prove to be a more productive approach to tackling
the societal issue of addiction.
A sentence of imprisonment frequently accompanies the disclosure of any quantity of drugs.
Nevertheless, this apprehension may also grant the individual a criminal record, which can substantially
impede their opportunities for future pursuits, such as securing employment or pursuing higher
education. Felony drug convictions impose this additional and permanent liability on the offender. An
alternative course of action could be to expunge the individual's record without incurring expungement
fees. Permit them a second chance upon their effective completion of a five-year rehabilitation program
and abstinence from delinquency. When confronted with an opportunity to plan, most people retreat in
despair upon realizing they have no other option; they return to their previous lifestyle, thereby
perpetuating the vicious cycle.
Reference
Volkow, N. (2021, May 7).
Addiction Should Be Treated, Not Penalized
. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2021/05/addiction-should-be-treated-not-penalized
The criminal justice strategy has been linked to instances of racial discrimination, wherein communities
of color have seen a disproportionate impact from drug legislation and law enforcement
practices. In contrast, the public health perspective acknowledges addiction as a medical
condition and endeavors to tackle the underlying factors contributing to addiction, including
socioeconomic disadvantage, traumatic experiences, and psychiatric disorders.
The opioid pandemic necessitates a comprehensive strategy due to its intricate nature. The involvement
of counselors and the community is paramount in effectively addressing this situation. Several
strategies can be employed to assist. Educating the community and their clients about the
dangers of opioid use, the indicators of addiction, and the treatment options are
accessible and aspects of awareness and education that counselors can convey. Counselors may
collaborate with community organizations, schools, and parents to create prevention programs
that target adolescents and young adults, among other at-risk populations. Additionally, they can
advocate for policies that restrict excessive opioid prescriptions. Volunteering at local treatment
clinics, attending support groups, and pushing for treatment and recovery legislation can help
opioid-addicted individuals and families.
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