Over the last several decades, the criminal justice system has evolved to address rehabilitation rather than solely punishment for substance abusers. Now, leaders in the field are pioneering programs and practices that prioritize harm reduction, address addiction issues directly and reduce recidivism.
The Youngstown State University (YSU) online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students to engage in these forward-thinking approaches. Through courses such as Drugs and Crime, YSU equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to understand and contribute to this transformative conversation in criminal justice.
The Intersection of Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse Issues
The link between incarceration and substance abuse is clear, as 63% of people in jail and 58% of people in prison report substance abuse disorders, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data. For those with addiction disorders, incarceration exasperates their symptoms and increases their likelihood of future incarceration.
In many cases, incarcerated people are in prison because they are looking for ways — legal or illegal — to continue purchasing and using drugs. Many drug users are often arrested and jailed repeatedly until one event lands them in prison, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. It estimates that more than 578,000 people, or 47% of inmates in state and federal prisons in 2022, had a substance use disorder in the year before their admission.
In turn, many jails and prisons have become de facto treatment providers. Inmates are often able to access treatment options in jail that they otherwise would not have in the civilian world, including treatments for opioid use disorder. However, treatments like methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are often underfunded in criminal justice settings, and few jails and prisons offer these options, according to another SAMHSA article.
Partnerships Between Law Enforcement and Healthcare Providers
As research continues to show the crucial role of substance abuse treatment in prison environments, government agencies, law enforcement and healthcare providers are increasingly investing in solutions. These partnerships have especially targeted opioid treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse established the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) in 2019 to fund research of treatment options, test strategies for delivering them and engage criminal justice professionals. Over time, the network has conducted large clinical trials across 27 states and Puerto Rico and worked with practitioners to understand how they might improve treatment across justice settings.
Another pivotal initiative is the Recovery Innovation Challenge, developed by SAMHSA. This program encourages organizations and individuals to develop creative solutions for recovery support, including those tailored for justice-involved populations. By incentivizing innovation, SAMHSA aims to enhance recovery services nationwide, creating opportunities for individuals within the criminal justice system to access meaningful support. The challenge highlights a range of solutions, from technology-driven support tools to new community-based models, enabling a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery.
Students in YSU’s online B.S. in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program explore these topics in elective courses such as Drugs and Crime. The course analyzes drug-control policies and criminal justice intervention and management strategies, allowing students to think critically about how these policies affect incarcerated people and the different partnerships within the criminal justice system that make drug abuse treatment possible.
Learn New Approaches to Substance Abuse Treatment With Youngstown State University
For those passionate about working within the criminal justice system to address addiction, YSU’s online B.S. in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program offers a unique opportunity. The program prepares graduates to work on the frontlines, whether by implementing treatment programs, advocating for policy change or developing new, innovative approaches to rehabilitation. Graduates of the program are also prepared to pursue certification in related disciplines such as FEMA, cybersecurity and criminal police science.
Students leave with the tools and understanding necessary to make an impact. With the skills gained from YSU’s program curriculum, graduates can address the root causes of addiction-driven crime and contribute to safer, healthier communities.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program.
