Drug and alcohol addiction is a pervasive problem in our society, and unfortunately, it affects many people, including those who end up incarcerated. When incarcerated, these individuals often withdraw without adequate treatment, leading to serious health problems or death.
The need and importance for proper care and management for prisoners who withdraw in jail and its benefits cannot be overstated.
The Risks of Withdrawal Without Proper Care
When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their body becomes dependent on the substance. Withdrawal occurs when the substance is no longer available, either because the individual has stopped taking it or has been incarcerated.
Withdrawal can cause many symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose and last for days or weeks. For some, withdrawal can even be life-threatening. Symptoms can become so severe that individuals require medical attention in hospitals.
Without the proper care, prisoners can suffer from seizures, cardiac arrest, dehydration, and other potentially fatal conditions during withdrawal.
The Importance of Proper Medical Care in Prison
Prisoners going through withdrawal need appropriate medical care and support to prevent severe symptoms and ensure their safety. The first step to proper medical care is a thorough health evaluation as soon as possible to identify any underlying medical conditions and determine the level of care needed.
Proper medical care can minimize the risks of withdrawal symptoms and ensure that prisoners receive adequate nutrition and hydration. Medications may also be necessary to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
The Benefit of Expert Care
Withdrawal can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, particularly for those who do not have social support. Expert care from experienced and compassionate professionals can make a massive difference in the withdrawal process.
Correctional facilities should provide access to mental health care workers, counselors, and substance abuse specialists to ensure prisoners are not alone during this difficult time. Access to these specialists can also help prisoners develop a plan for continuing care and treatment after they leave the correctional facility.
The Need for Adequate Resources in Jail
Correctional facilities must have adequate resources to provide quality care to prisoners going through withdrawal, including professional staff, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and supportive services.
Correctional facilities must also have the appropriate protocols to prevent drug use. Without these necessary resources, prisoners may not receive the care they need and could suffer long-term health complications.
The Positive Outcomes of Adequate Care
Providing proper care during withdrawal can lead to positive outcomes for prisoners and society. Proper maintenance can help prisoners withdraw safely and minimize complications. It can reduce the chances of relapse upon release.
With better support, prisoners are more likely to recover from addiction and become productive members of society by reducing healthcare costs associated with treating severe symptoms and emergency room visits.
Drug addiction significantly impacts society, and the correctional system plays an essential role in helping those who are addicted. Providing adequate care during withdrawal is crucial to ensuring the well-being of prison inmates and reducing the risks of severe withdrawal symptoms.
Good maintenance can help promote a healthy recovery from addiction and reduce the chances of relapse after release from incarceration. There is no denying the importance of providing proper care during the withdrawal process, and we should continue to raise awareness about this critical issue. By doing so, we can help prisoners get the care they need, recover from addiction, and lead successful lives outside prison walls.
Was Your Loved One Denied Medical Care in Jail or Prison or Did they Die Because of It?
If your loved one needs special medical attention for whatever reason and they were denied it in prison or jail, you may have a Civil Rights case. The Sehat Law Firm is a firm dedicated only to Civil Rights – contact us to see if we can help seek justice on behalf of your loved one. No one deserves to be mistreated or killed by medical negligence while in-custody.