What is Three Strikes?

Three Strikes is a law that has been in place since 1994 under former President Bill Clinton. The law stipulates that a person convicted of a crime who already has two felonies will be subject to life in prison. This is accompanied by no parole possibility for a minimum of 25 years.

This is, without question, one of the harshest and most punitive laws on the books in the United States today. It reduces the ability of judges and juries to take individual circumstances into consideration, and it unfairly punishes drug users and those who are struggling with the legitimate illness of addiction.

How Three Strikes Impacts Those Struggling with Addiction

A staggering number of felonies committed in the United States are related to drugs. It is important to realize, however, that not all felonies impact society the same way. Unfortunately, some felony charges are treated in the same way as violent crime, which may not seem logical to anyone familiar with the classification of addiction as a disease.

Examples of drug-related felonies can include things like possession of a controlled substance or abuse of prescription drugs. While these things are crimes, it seems highly unusual to treat them in the same way as other felonies, which include things like robbery, domestic violence or motor vehicle theft. While it can be argued that those who hold and use drugs are dealing with an addiction, it is hard to find an excuse for other types of felony behavior.

Clearly, Three Strikes puts an unnecessary burden on those struggling with addiction, and it does so in multiple ways. To start, it criminalizes behavior that is the direct result of an illness, addiction. A person under the influence of an addiction can’t choose to stop taking or buying drugs, and therefore will be subject to penal regulations that are unfair.

In addition, Three Strikes punishes even those individuals who have already sought treatment and have conquered addiction. Picture, for example, a person who has two felonies in the past for drug possession. Today, they may be sober for a decade. If they so much as steal a bicycle or a candy bar, however, they could be sent to prison for a lifetime.

This might seem illogical and unjust, but it is the reality of Three Strikes. By taking power out of the hands of judges, it can result in punitive and unnecessarily harsh punishments for people who don’t deserve it, and particularly those struggling with addiction.

Why Three Strikes is Viewed Unfavorably by Many

It is not just those concerned with addiction that oppose Three Strikes. Some of the many reasons it is opposed include the fact that the law won’t deter most violent crimes, it can clog the courts, it increases taxpayer spending and fills prisons, it reduces the potency of judges and it goes against the constitution of the United States.

There is no question that because of Three Strikes, there are more court cases being held across the country. There is also more of the country’s budget going to prosecuting and housing individuals who are both awaiting trial and permanently incarcerated. Furthermore, Three Strikes increases the population of prisons, with many of those who are incarcerated only there on relatively minor drug possession charges.

Since 1994, Three Strikes has actually done little to reduce violent crime. In fact, it has had the opposite effect. Criminals who are facing arrest, and who will be subject to Three Strikes, are more likely to lash out at arresting officers rather than face a lifetime in prison. Sadly, this leads to extreme action that could be prevented if the punishment fit the crime.

Furthermore, Three Strikes reduces the power of judges to act according to the facts of the case. It is silly in so many ways to think that a person arrested for stealing $20 will be prosecuted in the same way as a person who commits battery or steals a car.

The U.S. Constitution stipulates that punishment should be proportional to the crime. Three Strikes, however, eliminates this directive. Based on a person’s past actions or medical history, as is the case when it comes to addiction, sentences can increase punitively. This goes against the constitution and limits the freedoms and rights to which  Americans are entitled.

Thankfully, some states are seeing the light. In California, for example, individuals convicted of drug possession may seek treatment for addiction rather than the far harsher Three Strikes penalty.

The Importance of Treatment in View of Three Strikes

Treatment is key for all who struggle with addiction. In light of Three Strikes, it becomes even more important that those addicted to drugs seek help immediately. Through treatment, individuals can avoid criminal activity, such as drug possession or the abuse of prescription drugs, that can lead to harsh sentencing and the potential for life in prison without parole.

Seeking treatment starts with determining what treatment methods will be most effective. The evidence-tested approaches with a history of success include things like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis and group counseling. These approaches can create healthy behavior and address any mental health conditions that could be contributing to an addiction.

In addition, consider the types of programs and levels of care available in a facility. Residential rehab, detox and even outpatient therapy are all options that can be effective for certain patients. Finding appropriate treatment is vital in order to be successful at maintaining sobriety and avoiding the consequences of Three Strikes.

The Three Strikes Law is largely unfavorable, and it clearly targets those struggling with addiction. The best course of action for those dealing with addiction, however, is to seek treatment to avoid any potential felonies related to drug use.

Signs That Someone Requires Addiction Treatment

The first step in helping someone find treatment is determining that there is, in fact, an addiction problem that needs to be addressed. It is important not to confront people without a full understanding of the disease and how it is impacting their lives. Signs that someone requires addiction treatment may include health factors, financial trouble, mental health issues or consequences that are a direct result of the addiction.

Health is often the most visible and persuasive sign that individuals require addiction treatment. Drug or alcohol addictions can lead to overall poor health, cardiac problems, weight loss or weight gain, malnutrition and so many other unfavorable side effects. If these are noticeable, and addiction is clearly the cause, then it is a definite sign that assistance is required.

Individuals who are financially struggling as a result of excessive substance abuse may also need treatment. Because of the stronghold of addiction, some people may lose their homes, their cars and their life savings before seeking help.

Other factors that point to a person in dire need of addiction treatment might include worsening mental health or problematic relationships. For example, a person who gets divorced and subsequently loses a custody battle due to addiction might be in dire need of treatment, and is clearly struggling to overcome an addiction despite negative consequences.

Helping Loved Ones Who Are Ready to Seek Treatment

When loved ones are receptive to seeking treatment, it can be much easier. However, it is still important to take the right course of action to help individuals get the appropriate treatment in the appropriate timeframe.

First, it is not recommended to let people who acknowledge the need for treatment put it off. It can be tempting for individuals to say that they will go to rehab next week or next month, but there is never a better time than the present. Making concrete plans for as soon as possible is integral for optimal recovery.

Next, loved ones should conduct some research on the best type of addiction treatment program. Not all programs are the same, and they can vary wildly in terms of quality. Also begin the search by looking for programs that are accredited by the Joint Commission and other major governing bodies in the medical industry. Then, consider the types of programs available as well as the treatment methods that are used.

Staging an Intervention for a Loved One

Sometimes, loved ones are resistant to offers of help. They may deny that they have a problem, or they may deny that the problem is negatively impacting their life. It is not unusual for those struggling with addiction to avoid confrontation rather than address the issues of addiction. Should this be the case, sometimes an intervention is necessary.

An intervention is a deliberate meeting, often with an element of surprise, that confronts the individual struggling with addiction. Participants might share their feelings and express how much the individual means to them. All may discuss how the addiction is impacting their lives. An intervention is usually directed by a professional.

The goal of an intervention is to confront individuals who don’t want to take action and admit the reality of their addiction. It seeks to stop or minimize self-destructive behavior, and it should always have the health of the individual in mind.

Following an intervention, some individuals are ready to face the reality of the situation and begin treatment. In these cases, it is best to have already lined up a treatment option so substance abuse can cease immediately.

In some cases, however, individuals won’t want to act after an intervention. They may be angry, hostile or frustrated, or they may simply deny there is a problem at all. In these cases, it may still be best to force these individuals into an addiction treatment program.

Addressing the Legal Aspect of Involuntary Treatment

Forcing someone into addiction treatment may be a personal issue, but it is also a legal one. In this respect, the legal issues will vary between states.

In some states, anyone who poses a threat to themselves or to others can be checked into a treatment facility. However, this may need to be done after a spouse or a parent files for court-ordered treatment. In other states, it may only take three concerned individuals who believe that addiction treatment is the best course of action for the individual’s health.

Can Treatment be Successful if Patients are Forced into it?

Above all else, there is the question of whether patients forced into treatment will actually benefit from it. In a word, the answer to that question is yes.

Countless studies have shown that it matters very little why or how a person gets to a rehab facility. What matters most is the quality of the facility and what kind of treatment methods are offered. Patients don’t necessarily have to be receptive to the idea of treatment for it to be effective.

For this reason, the bigger question for loved ones should be what kind of treatment is best. Look for facilities offering evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatments and experiential therapies. It is through these programs that patients can begin the journey to sobriety and recovery, and it matters little how or why they were enrolled in the program to begin with.

Ideally, patients would go into addiction treatment receptive and willing to begin the process of recovery. However, even those forced into rehab can benefit from renewed health, sobriety and a new lease on life. In fact, they often thank the people who forced them into treatment initially. Free from the binds of addiction, it is easier to see clearly the reality of the situation.

Distinguishing Between Short- and Long-Term Treatment

Although there may be a big difference between short- and long-term addiction treatment, it’s important to understand one vital thing: there’s no quick fix when overcoming addiction. Facilities that advertise recovery in a matter of days won’t be providing the best possible care to their patients, and in many cases those patients may be struggling with high relapse rates just weeks after their programs have ended.

Short-term treatment is far from instantaneous. It’s the phrase used to describe rehab and recovery programs that last an average of 28 to 30 days. Long-term treatment, on the other hand, tends to be approximately 90 days, although in some cases it can be six months or even a year in duration.

What to Expect in Residential Treatment

With the duration of short-term treatment defined, it’s a good idea to get a better idea of what a residential treatment program entails. Residential addiction programs are defined as those that provide accommodation as well as treatments and therapies on a regular basis. Residential care can be considered as “one-stop” treatment, because it will include all of the therapy, accommodation, meals and any additional services that might be required.

Patients who are going into residential treatment programs should expect to start with an assessment, or an evaluation, that determines the severity of the addiction and identifies any physical or mental health problems that will need to be addressed. This allows for a dual diagnosis, if necessary, and can ensure that all patients receive comprehensive care that will benefit their overall wellbeing.

There are several types of treatment that might be provided to patients in short-term residential care. Evidence-based treatments such as behavioral therapy, pharmacological treatment and group counseling are popular options that provide a substantial success for patients. However, residential treatment also opens up options for holistic and alternative therapies that can develop skills, improve confidence, relieve stress and contribute to lasting health. Things like nutritional therapy, yoga therapy, art therapy and fitness therapy are all possible in a short-term residential treatment program.

Residential treatment is widely considered to be the most beneficial form of addiction treatment because of its accountability for patients. However, it’s not the only available form of care. Alternatives to residential treatment can include outpatient care, intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs.

Who Can Benefit Most From Short-Term Residential Treatment

Short-term residential treatment is an effective way to treat patients who are addicted to a range of substances, including drugs and alcohol. Virtually anyone with a dangerous addiction should seek professional assistance, and there’s no question that short-term residential treatment would be beneficial. However, there are some potential patients who might benefit most from short-term residential treatment. This would include individuals attending rehab for the first time, those who want to minimize the costs and time commitment of rehab and those who are battling a severe addiction.

Short-term treatment is often preferred by those who don’t have the resources to commit to a 90-day program. Individuals with financial limitations, or those who need to get back to careers, schools and families as quickly as possible, may thrive in a short-term program of 30 days or less.

Individuals who are battling with severe addictions, or who are attending recovery programs for the very first time, are ideal candidates for short-term residential treatment. Why? Because residential care is intensive treatment that is around the clock, which means that patients can enjoy higher rates of successful sobriety and lower rates of relapse. Outpatient programs, in comparison, are not always ideal for those struggling with severe addictions as there is lessened accountability for patients.

Advantages of Short-Term Residential Treatment

Short-term residential treatment brings with it a number of advantages for patients as well as their loved ones. The families of patients won’t have to directly supervise or care for patients while they are in inpatient programs, which can be a relief during this challenging time. Short-term programs are also less expensive and can minimize disruptions to everyday life. In addition, residential programs offer better results to patients.

Cost is nearly always a consideration for prospective rehab patients and their families. Even when health insurance is involved, there may be questions of limited care coverage or deductibles. For these reasons, many patients opt for short-term care. Many health insurance providers will cover a full 30 days of treatment, but won’t cover long-term programs.

Short-term residential care is an intensive program that functions on a 24/7 basis, but this concentration of treatment, therapy and accountability means that many patients can return to their lives in as little as 30 days. Short-term programs are an excellent way to minimize disruptions to life, and these shorter absences are more easily explained. This makes them ideal for patients who have careers, who attend college or who can’t leave their families for extended periods of time.

Finally, it’s vital to look at the objectives when understanding the value of short-term residential programs. For most patients, the primary goal is to achieve sobriety and learn the necessary tools to maintain that sobriety for life. Residential programs outperform outpatient programs routinely, perhaps because they have higher rates of completion, 24/7 care and greater accountability.

Patients can benefit from short-term residential treatment if they want a more intensive treatment method that can still achieve great results. Programs can vary significantly from facility to facility, but most will offer a variety of trusted and effective treatments and therapies to help patients achieve their goals.

Understanding the Role of Gender-Specific Treatment

There are several objectives at play when it comes to rehab and addiction treatment. For men and women alike, the goal goes beyond simply abstaining from drugs and alcohol for a determined period of time. The ultimate objectives include gathering the desire to abstain, the confidence to make independent and healthy choices, the tools to uncover and work through underlying trauma and the support for aftercare and continuing education.

Some of these objectives can’t be easily met in a treatment program filled with individuals of both sexes. Women, for instance, may struggle to reveal instances of sexual assault and personal trauma if there are men in attendance at a group counseling session. Men may wish to recount their stories of hitting rock bottom, but they may not want to offend or alienate women in their treatment programs. By separating the sexes, many patients may find it easier, in the long run, to achieve their rehab goals.

How Gender-Specific Treatment Can Benefit Women

Although there are gender-specific treatment options for both sexes, there’s a far greater emphasis on programs that are designated for women only. Women who are battling an addiction often find it easier to thrive in an environment where their needs, concerns and ideals are the focus. Of course, there’s often a significant overlap between the needs of women and men, and women are a diverse group. Overall, however, women can benefit from gender-specific treatment in a number of ways.

Women in the throes of an addiction may be at risk for feeling intimidated or overpowered by men, particularly men in a position of authority. When in a gender-specific treatment program, women may feel more at ease. When they are at ease, patients can thrive and make true progress for rehabilitation.

Women may also have a greater need to belong to a group environment, to reintegrate into social situations and to become a part of their family or friend groups. An all-women setting may be the best way for women to relearn social cues, establish healthy personalities and discuss conflicts in a healthy and productive way.

It’s also important to take into consideration the issue of sexual assault. Many women who struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol have a history of trauma in their past, and this is frequently sexual in nature. By recovering in a secure, safe environment away from men, women may be able to achieve confidence and sobriety without experiencing PTSD in the presence of male patients.

How Gender-Specific Treatment Can Benefit Men

Men can also benefit in a number of ways to a gender-specific treatment program. The curriculum, counseling and scheduling can focus on the key issues that males encounter during recovery, and it can place an emphasis on healthy masculinity that helps society.

Some men in recovery struggle with reclaiming their masculinity. Since addiction can drain financial and emotional resources as well as lead to lying and broken relationships, men may feel that they don’t possess power or authority. A men-only treatment program can develop the confidence of male patients, encouraging them to feel proud of their accomplishments and strive to be healthy male role models in society.

Sexual Addiction and Rehab

It’s not uncommon for men and women in a drug or alcohol treatment facility to begin exhibiting signs of a sex addiction during rehab. Unfortunately, this is simply replacing one dangerous addiction with another. Destructive, compulsive behavior, such as engaging in a sexual act with a stranger or an inappropriate partner, can stimulate the brain’s reward system in the same way that drugs can.

Recovery from addiction should ideally be recovery from all addictions. To that end, it can be beneficial to separate the sexes so that there are fewer temptations in rehab. In addition, gender-specific programs can eliminate possibilities of unwanted sexual advances or other threatening situations that could challenge or setback recovery for patients.

Facilities Geared Toward a Particular Gender

Amenities are more than just the icing on the cake of an excellent rehab center. They can also be integral in the physical recovery, fitness and development of patients. By creating gender-specific treatment facilities, treatment providers can better tailor the amenities and facilities for a specific group of patients.

In a women’s facility, that could mean space to do yoga in an outdoor setting, or a crafts room where women can tackle projects and feel good about learning new skills and making things for their loved ones. In a men’s facility, that might mean being geared toward group sports or weight lifting, and finding healthy ways to minimize the anger and aggression that can sometimes arise during the initial stages of sobriety. Men and women alike may be more likely to utilize the onsite amenities if they can be assured that the opposite sex won’t be participating, judging or lingering in close proximity.

Determining the Success of Men and Women-Only Rehab

Ultimately, research can only determine the success of gender-responsive treatment based on the remission and relapse rates of participants. Overall, relapse rates are highest when participants aren’t willing to make the necessary changes. By creating a safe environment that caters to the individual needs of patients by gender, there may be an increase in the desire to succeed. As a result, men and women who attend gender-responsive treatment programs may see greater success rates and higher rates of long-term sobriety.

Choosing to attend rehab is definitely better than continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol. For the best results, however, gender-responsive treatment holds a lot of promise for men and women alike.

There are ways to prevent you from being addicted before it becomes a problem, and treatment for addiction if it does.

Here are a couple of the most common signs of drug addiction.

Your Priorities Have Changed Because of Addiction

Answer this question honestly: What is the most important part of your day? Your priorities should never come at the consequence of substance abuse. If you feel yourself slipping through the cracks, step back and have a moment of honesty. Ask yourself if alcohol or drugs have anything to do with it. Did you start falling behind when your consumption of drugs increased? If you see a comparison, it is essential to look for help now. Your priorities in life should include important events that will further your lifestyle and not hinder success, like drugs can.

You Are Putting Your Life at Risk Consistently Because of Addiction

It is no secret that being high/drunk behind the wheel is dangerous, so why would you do it? You may need to seek treatment if you are putting your life at risk more frequently due to the influence of substances. If you do not put your life in risk sober, yet find yourself in the face of the law when on drugs, it may be in your best interest to find help.

You Consciously Know You Are Hurting Yourself without Addiction Treatment

Unless they are prescribed and taken due to orders, drugs have horrible side effects like depression, paranoia, irrational thinking, mood swings, blackouts, etc. None of these symptoms benefit your life and can put it in serious danger. It is a bad sign if you are taking drugs and have to convince yourself that you will not suffer any consequences. Consciously making the decision to use drugs and alcohol when you are aware of the damaging effect they may have on your life is a sign of addiction.

You Must Have It

If you have tried to retract your use but find yourself suffering when you do not do drugs, you may be addicted. You should never use drugs to help fight the symptoms of not using them. If you experience nausea, depression, insomnia, sweating, shaking and anxiety when you go for periods without drug use then you may want to look for healthier alternatives.

The first step of getting better is to admit that you may be addicted to a harmful substance.

The faster you find help, the more chances you have for a faster recovery. You want to make sure you are at your best and succeed in all facets of life; do not let drugs hinder your chances for happiness. Be honest with yourself and see if you need help. The second you realize you have a drug problem, the faster you can start treatment and feel better.  If you think you need treatment for addiction, contact your local recovery home or sober house today and get on the path being the better you.

Following an alcohol recovery program requires a lot of motivation and inspiration.

It may seem hard at first but it results in a better and more positive lifestyle. Unfortunately though, there are a lot of myths that have been attached to the term recovery, treatment and the overall goal of overcoming substance abuse.

You Just Have To Say No To Overcome Alcohol Abuse

Many people believe that recovery is simply a matter of willpower. It is very difficult to say no to alcohol after saying yes to it for so many years. However, being so accepting of alcohol has led people to recovery. Allowing alcohol to become a grand part of your life leads to a lot of psychological damage that is tough to overcome. It takes a lot more than a simple two-letter word to fight the lust and temptation alcohol creates. It’s about understanding how you got to recovery, recognizing it has taken over your life and knowing that you are better than the situation it has created led you to.

You Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before You Can Win Against Alcohol Abuse

This is one of the biggest misconceptions of seeking recovery from alcohol abuse. You never have to hit rock bottom to consider recovery. In fact, people who consciously decide to seek treatment before hitting rock bottom find the most success. Recovery can begin in any point of your addiction, whether you are in its initial stages or you did hit rock bottom. The longer you deny you have a problem the harder it is for you going to get sober. Nobody wants to hit rock bottom, anybody who has been there will urge you to avoid it all costs.

Treatment Didn’t Work the First Time and You Still Abuse Alcohol So Why Try It Again?

The old cliché states that “The third time is a charm.” In recovery, it may be the fourth, fifth or even tenth until it is a charm. Recovery from alcohol abuse is a journey. You will need to take a lot of small steps to become sober. Just because people relapse it does not mean that treatment is failing. You are actively deciding to make your life better when you chose to go to a treatment center. People who go through relapse are not failures by any means. They are survivors. They repeatedly conquer temptation and discover better ways of treatment.

Hearing these myths about drug abuse should not hinder your thoughts on going through recovery. They are myths for a reason. Realizing you may need help is a great beginning and there is no myth out there that is true to stop you from gaining your life back. You are in control of your life and the decisions you make should all be positive. If you are seeking options for treatment or need help, look for the halfway house nearest you or drug treatment center near you.