Substance Abuse Out of the 2.3 million people in correctional facilities, the majority of the increasing population is fueled by drug-related crimes who receive, if any, very weak treatment. (Belenko 2005). These choices specifically include interventions that can be decided for short-term or long-term. A common example commonly used for short-term interventions would include drug educational classes. The con to educational classes is that there is a high possibility that the intervention is full or does not allow for many people, but it is much more affordable. On the other hand, a long-term intervention within a prison or jail would include residential treatment, however, these are a lot more intense which could be incredibly beneficial for drug abusers, but it is on the more expensive end. It has been proven that residential treatment is very effective and has helped reduce recidivism rates along with relapsing offenders (Belenko …show more content…
With the population of prisons and jails increasing so rapidly, it has become harder for these facilities to keep up with the costs of treatments, medications, surgeries, glasses, dentures, etc. A lot of these are especially needed, once again, for elders. They are more susceptible to obtaining bad eyesight as they get older, lose teeth, and need extra medication and treatments. The costs add up very quickly, and with the rate society is at now, it has been estimated that somewhere in the next ten years it will increase heavily. In order to help lower these issues and costly demands, many prisons will have a separate section specifically for only elderly people, or some states will even build special facilities for elderly inmates (BOOK 486). Along with having their own space, special nurses and officer training will be necessary to ensure it is as beneficial as possible. There has been some type of change in prisons like this already, however, it is not a long-term facility; it is only for immediate care until they are well enough to be sent back to their original correctional facility. Some states have considered elders and have older facilities renovated so that inmates who will most likely pass away in prison have nurses around to help them any hour of the day. People who have trouble feeding, bathing, using the restroom, moving around, or needing daily aid from a nurse are those who can be