Substance Abuse Treatments
Treatment as an Alternative to Incarceration
Though substantial numbers of women incarcerated in Ohio have histories of substance abuse, far too few receive treatment. Providing treatments should be a priority when dealing with women who have drug or alcohol problems.
A Formidable Problem
Though statistics show higher rates of illicit drug use among men than among women, women have higher rates when it comes to psychotherapeutic drugs and illicit pain medications.
Prescription Opioid Abuse
Increasing illicit use of prescription pain medications, often referred to as prescription opioids, has been well documented in recent years. The increasing illicit use of prescription drugs – especially prescription pain medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet – warrant special attention and have unique implications for the women who abuse them. The damaging effects of a mother’s opioid addiction on newborns further underscores the importance of helping women break these habits.
A Cost-Effective Solution
Though public safety necessitates the imprisonment of violent offenders, the majority of incarcerated women are nonviolent offenders, many of whom make prim candidates for such community-based supervision as substance abuse treatment. These alternative consequences for drug offenses have been shown to be far more cost-effective than imprisonment – $3.30 of benefit per dollar, versus $2.83 of benefit per dollar.
Keys to Successful Programs
The most successful substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, with the best long-term improvements among participants, provide a full range of services. We at Ohio Women’s Network encourage community agencies to collaborate to provide a comprehensive offering of treatment opportunities.
The Numbers
Statistics show the relationship between substance abuse and incarceration among women:
Under the Influence
43% of women in prison were under the influence when incarcerated
History of Drugs
60% of women in prison report a history of drug dependence
Receive Treatment
Only 11% of incarcerated women in need of substance abuse treatment actually receive it
Contact Us Today
To learn more about substance abuse treatments and the organizations in Ohio that provide it, contact Ohio Women’s Network now.