The Problem Of Substance Abuse, Mental Health Issues, And Little Education

1871 Words 8 Pages
In his 2004 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush said “This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from long experience that if they can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison.” Recidivism, better known as the revolving door justice, is a consequence faced by many individuals. Within three years of release from a federal or state prison an individual is 67% more likely to recommit a crime and return to the system. The reason for this is that most individuals have “already failed or been failed by the system” (Lattimore). Facing Substance abuse, mental health issues, and little education or job skills: they are unlikely to succeed on the outside, but by implementing programs, prerelease, focused on these issues recidivism rates would be greatly decreased.
Going through the prison cycle many inmates face the same issues upon release that they struggled with before they were arrested. These issues include drug and alcohol dependency, gang involvement, health problems, no previous work experience, and nowhere to call home. Many inmates drop out of school, have no degree, and have no job skills, so they have to resort back to their old ways. The plethoras of struggles that many inmates face are left untreated, leaving the individual to survive on their own without the crucial help they need. Many states do not have services prepared for recently released…

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