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People who have a drug addiction need treatment, not jail time

by | Oct 26, 2016 | Criminal Defense, Firm News |

People who take prescription drugs often feel they are safe from addiction because they are under the care of a doctor. While this is often true, taking drugs can easily get out of hand, as is sometimes the case with college students. Campus life is challenging and some students take drugs like Ritalin and Adderall when they need to focus on studying-for example, on the night before a big exam. If a case of substance abuse develops, the affected student might be helped with justice intervention treatment.

The rise of smart drugs

In recent years, study drugs, sometimes known as smart drugs, have gained significant popularity among college students. Prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In short, they increase mental focus. Students say that they are easy to acquire, that people who have prescriptions give pills out generously. Like many people on prescription drugs, some students handle them responsibly, but others harbor a constant need for their “fixes.” However, misusing prescription drugs is illegal; there could be consequences such as fines, suspension from school or even jail time.

Unseen dangers

Emergency room personnel have seen a marked increase in ER visits caused by adverse reactions to medications for ADHD, largely among those 18 to 25 years of age. Overuse of Adderall, Ritalin and similar drugs can result in medical problems like brain or liver damage, heart attack, stroke and sudden death. Other issues include depression, hallucinations and increased cancer risk.

Going to Drug Court

People who become addicted to drugs may be eligible for participation at a drug court. Instead of having to go through the traditional justice system, these participants are essentially treated for a period of one year, minimum. They receive intensive treatment to get clean and sober and must meet their obligations to the court, their families, society and themselves. Drug courts exist as the most effective justice intervention system for those addicted to drugs.

The Back on TRAC program

Conceived specifically to help college students, Back on TRAC is a clinical justice program modeled after the Drug Court system. It works for students involved with substance abuse who have not had success with treatment efforts. The program works in concert with health professionals and campus leaders to assist afflicted students without interrupting the educational process. Anyone who would like to know more about justice intervention programs that benefit students with substance abuse issues can contact a law firm that handles such cases.

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