May 18th, 2008 by jgold454

Like other states of the federation, even Arizona has employed the use of drug courts in treating its growing drug abuse and addiction problem. About 80% of all Arizonans who are incarcerated are found to have been under the influence of either a drug or alcohol during the criminal act.

This is a very huge number, and it indicates that alcohol and substance abuse in Arizona is definitely playing an important role in the total crime levels of the state. Now, instead of sending these offenders straightaway to jail, they are provided the option of attending a problem in a drug court. If they accept the proposal of going to a drug court, these offenders stand to get their prison term waived off or at least reduced.There are some definite intentions behind launching the drug court solutions that have become so useful in tackling the larger problem of substance abuse in Arizona. The following are some of these benefits:-

1. Offenders who participate in drug court programs are looking at getting addiction treatment and probably get into a sober life. The counseling therapies will make them understand the gravity of the drug problem and have them know that treatment options are available. This will directly bring more people to addiction treatment in Arizona. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 from every Arizonan who needs alcohol and substance abuse treatment actually gets it.
2. Since these people will go through an addiction treatment program, there were fewer chances of them participating in criminal activities again. Thus, drug courts can break the cycle of criminal offenses in a substance abuser.
3. Drug courts are good for the taxpayers too, because they cost just about a third of the total cost of jailing an offender.