Drug decriminalization is the reduction or removal of penalties associated with illicit drug use. This is not the same as legalization, which strives to make certain substances legal to use. It’s an effort to decrease penalties for those caught abusing illegal substances to provide better rehabilitative treatment. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we were hoping you could focus on your recovery, not on any criminal charges you could face for possession of an illegal substance. With changes in possession laws throughout the United States reducing the criminality of drugs, many people are less fearful about reaching out for help.
The Basics of Drug Decriminalization
If you are caught with an illegal drug, the criminal penalties can lead to time in jail. Unfortunately, when you have a problem with drug addiction and need an addiction rehab or treatment program, jail isn’t going to help you. If you are found in possession of a drug that is illegal, the penalties have decreased in many areas. The goal of drug decriminalization is to reduce the severity of the consequences so that treatment is possible. Drug decriminalization can:
- Minimize criminal punishment so that you go to treatment instead
- Reduce the length of your sentence if you are caught with large amounts of illicit drugs
- Protect you if you are charged with possession of an illegal substance with only a small amount
- Lead to better treatment options and reduce the amount of drug abuse overall
The process looks at why people are abusing substances and whether the individual was involved with selling or distribution. When you are just using the substance, drug decriminalization laws work in your favor. You are more likely to be referred to an addiction rehab or treatment program if you are caught with a small amount of illicit drugs instead of being sent to jail because of these changes.
Is Drug Decriminalization Working?
Drug decriminalization is a moderately new concept. It doesn’t make sense to send people to jail when they need to go through a detox program. Unfortunately, many people who go to rehab instead of jail will relapse. However, this is true for people who go to rehab on their own without the court being involved. It is hard to measure what works, but it was clear that sending people to jail who need treatment for addiction did not work. With prisons full of people who committed non-violent crimes because of drug possession charges, changes to the system were necessary.
Anyone who wants to get drug rehabilitation treatment for an addiction to substances should get the help they need. Without professional assistance, most people are not able to break free from addiction on their own. Whether it is the court system that gets a person to drug detox, or it is their own choice, detox is the first step in any sobriety program. When possession of a small amount of illicit drugs is no longer a punishable crime, it is easier to seek help from a treatment facility. Drug addiction is a disease, and people need support in order to end the addiction.
Find Addiction Treatment In Houston Today
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we are ready to help you break free from addiction. With drug decriminalization making strides, you should have less fear about seeking addiction treatment. Find a rehab that can meet your recovery needs. You are worth the effort, and you have to make positive changes in your life. Reach out to us today at 866.516.8356 and begin your journey of sobriety. You can recover from a serious addiction to substances, but you have to be the one to make the change.
