crimes and the mentally ill and substance abusers---opinions?

I have been reading more and more often about cities/counties having drug and mental health courts that deal SOLELY with crimes commited as a result of either or both. and they are NOT a cake walk for these people. the criminals who go through those courts have to be accepted for the program, show and earnest desire to change. and its ALL up hill. Lots of requirements, check ins, treatment, etc. But it seems to be working.

Yes but what about the people who really dont understand what they are doing? it shouldnt be so hard for them the first time around do you think?

Okay so do you think people who commit crimes who are mentally ill or have a bad substance abuse problem should be thrown in our prisons or brought to get help in a treatment type facility?

No, prison is not meant to address substance abuse. When people abuse drugs, prescription drugs, and/or alcohol their is usually an underlying issue like depression.

I know its not meant to address it, but our tax dollars are paying for it and wouldnt it make more sense for people who have these problems to go get treatment or help from some place that could help them? Most offenders that have these problems are thrown back in society and it just keeps going in a circle with repeat offenses. Which costs ALOT of money, about $20,100 per year it would make more sense to get the initial problem delt with that is causeing the crimes to take place. I guess here im talking even more so about the mentally ill then i am about substance abuse but as you said with substance abuse theres usually underlying issues which can be mental illness.

Many prisons have groups like AA and NA that are voluntary. If they want to commit themsleves to it.

Its quite upsetting that you lump people with mental illness in the same catergory as drug users. One has a choice, one does not.

People with mental illness need to be treated for their illness it depends on their crime what their punishment should be. That lady that killed her 5 kids for instance is sane while on meds. She is in jail and on her meds (whcih she hates because thats when she can comprehend what she did) ..she should still stay in jail...her kids are gone forever and they suffered...

You can't help a drug abuser that don't want to get better, so they should be offered rehab, but still get prison time

I know its not meant to address it, but our tax dollars are paying for it and wouldnt it make more sense for people who have these problems to go get treatment or help from some place that could help them?

You cannot force "help" on them. Anyone that has experience will tell ou that you cannot help them until they want to help themsleves and that shouldn't be instead of punishment for their crime

Sometimes you have to FORCE help on the mentally ill. In some cases they can't make decisions on their own to better themselves or get and stay on medication.

Sometimes you have to FORCE help on the mentally ill. In some cases they can't make decisions on their own to better themselves or get and stay on medication.

O yes, I know that...I meant you cant force a drug abuser to get help. So offering to lessen a sentence in exchange for rehab does nothing for them

Many repeat offenders that are substance abusers have been to rehab multiple times. How will more rehab help?

Mentally ill patients are different. If it is a matter of them simply refusing to stay on meds then they should be locked up. You have to use a little kindness with the others though...not letting them off...but handling it differently.