Addiction & Criminology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.

Rapid Communication - Addiction & Criminology (2024) Volume 7, Issue 6

Restorative Justice as a Response to Addiction-Driven Offenses

Eliza Jennifer *

Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, University of California, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Eliza Jennifer
Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, University of California, USA
E-mail: : eliza.j@uci.edu

Received: 02-Dec -2024, Manuscript No. AARA-24-155276; Editor assigned: 03-Dec-2024, PreQC No. AARA-24-155276 (PQ); Reviewed:18-Dec-2024, QC No. AARA-24-155276; Revised:23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. AARA-24-155276 (R); Published:30-Dec-2024, DOI:10.35841/aara-7.6.238

Citation: Jennifer E. Restorative Justice as a Response to Addiction-Driven Offenses.2024;7(6):238

Visit for more related articles at Addiction & Criminology

Introduction

The relationship between mental health, addiction, and crime is complex and multifaceted, often forming a cyclical pattern that perpetuates social and individual harm. Understanding this intersection is crucial for developing effective interventions that address the root causes of criminal behavior linked to mental health and substance use disorders. This article explores the interplay between these factors, their societal implications, and strategies for breaking the cycle [1].

Mental health disorders are prevalent among individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often intersect with criminal behavior for several reasons: Mental health conditions can impair decision-making and impulse control, leading to behaviors that may result in criminal charges [2].

Substance use disorders frequently overlap with criminal behavior, as addiction can drive individuals to engage in illegal activities to sustain their dependency. Key mechanisms include: Addiction often leads to financial instability, prompting behaviors such as theft or drug dealing to fund substance use [3].

The criminal justice system often serves as the first point of intervention for individuals with mental health and addiction issues. However, traditional punitive approaches may not address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, leading to high rates of recidivism [4].

Studies show that individuals with mental health and addiction issues are disproportionately represented in jails and prisons, highlighting systemic gaps in treatment and prevention. Without access to appropriate care, individuals are likely to reoffend after release, perpetuating a cycle of incarceration and relapse. Stigma surrounding mental health and addiction can discourage individuals from seeking help, further entrenching them in the justice system [5].

Addressing the intersection of mental health, addiction, and crime requires a holistic approach that combines prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Specialized programs, such as mental health courts and drug courts, offer alternatives to incarceration by connecting individuals with treatment and support services [6].

Combining mental health and addiction treatment ensures comprehensive care that addresses co-occurring disorders. Equipping law enforcement, judges, and correctional staff with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health and addiction issues can improve outcomes for affected individuals [7].

The societal costs of untreated mental health and addiction in the context of crime are significant, encompassing economic burdens, public safety concerns, and human suffering. Policy changes are essential to create systemic improvements: Increasing funding for mental health and addiction services can reduce the number of individuals entering the justice system [8].

Policies that decriminalize substance use and focus on harm reduction can alleviate the burden on the justice system while promoting public health. Investing in research to understand the root causes and effective interventions for mental health and addiction-related crime is crucial for informed policymaking [9].

The intersection of mental health, addiction, and crime is a pressing issue that demands a compassionate and evidence-based response. By addressing the underlying factors driving criminal behavior, society can move toward a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment [10].

conclusion

Community resources, including housing support, job training, and peer mentorship, play a vital role in reducing recidivism and promoting recovery. Through integrated care, community support, and systemic reform, it is possible to break the cycle and create a path toward recovery and reintegration for vulnerable individuals.

References

  1. Chen G, Einat T. The relationship between criminology studies and punitive attitudes. Eur J Criminol. 2015;12(2):169-87.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Chen G, Einat T. To Punish or Not to Punish—That Is the Question: Attitudes of Criminology and Criminal Justice Students in Israel Toward Punishment. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2017;61(3):347-67.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Jeffery CR. Criminology as an interdisciplinary behavioral science. Criminol. 1978;16:149.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Anderson L, Brown M. Expanding horizons of risk in criminology. Sociol Compass. 2010;4(8):544-54.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Cressey DR. Fifty years of criminology: From sociological theory to political control. Pacific Sociological Review. 1979;22(4):457-80.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Van Uhm D, South N, Wyatt T. Connections between trades and trafficking in wildlife and drugs. Trends Organ Crime. 2021:1-22.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Smart U, Cihlar JC, Budowle B. International Wildlife Trafficking: A perspective on the challenges and potential forensic genetics solutions. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2021;54:102551.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Maher J, Wyatt T. European illegal puppy trade and organised crime. Trends Organ Crime. 2021:1-20.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Beasley J, Shorrock G, Neumann R et al.Massively parallel sequencing and capillary electrophoresis of a novel panel of falcon STRs: Concordance with mini satellite DNA profiles from historical wildlife crime. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2021;54:102550.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Wisniewski KD, Pringle JK, Allen D et al. Wildlife Crime: The application of forensic geoscience to assist with criminal investigations. Forensic Sci Int. 2019;294:11-8.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App