SOWK 4325 University of North Texas Drug Courts Discussion 1) This essay is intended to be an opportunity for you to develop your ability to identify, synt

SOWK 4325 University of North Texas Drug Courts Discussion 1) This essay is intended to be an opportunity for you to develop your ability to identify, synthesize, and critique information you were assigned to read this week. You are also expected to effectively utilize the mechanics of writing to clearly convey your thoughts.

READ THE FOLLOWING

Drug Courts: Rempel (2005) suggested that such programs reduce recidivism by only 13%, which raises the question of whether Drug Court programs are really effective.

Another question that arises is whether you measure “success” in the short term, or, in terms of the individual’s lifetime. A 13% reduction in recidivism in one year may not be cost-effective for that community. Over the course of 10 years, a reduction in recidivism by 13% might be quite cost-effective. But what we mean by “recidivism” can also vary. Does that mean any offenses, or, just drug-related offenses? If a person is arrested for burglary two years after completing the Drug Court program, but has not used alcohol or illicit drugs in that time, is this a success for the Drug Court, or a failure?

Imagine a hypothetical case in which a person was charged with and convicted for trafficking in cocaine. This is the person’s first criminal offense. When considering whether this person would be an appropriate candidate for a Drug Court, remember that drug sales is quite different from drug use. It has not been established that this individual has an SUD; he or she is simply involved with the transport and sale of a controlled substance (cocaine). If this hypothetical person were to engage in this activity to support a cocaine use disorder, then that is a different scenario to consider.

Listen to the following Youtube Video

In 250-300 words explain

-Should the above individual be referred to a Drug Court? Why or why not?

-From Tina Nadeau’s TED Talk do you think Drug Court is a trauma-informed intervention?

2)Canadian physician Gabor Maté is a specialist in terminal illnesses, chemical dependents, and HIV positive patients. Dr. Maté is a renowned author of books and columnist. His approach to treatment of addiction is to screen for pain and not just bodily pain but the traumatic pain of the mind. He has a theory behind addiction Watch this TED talk video to understand what is theory is:

230 words

Discussion Question-230 words

Do you agree with Dr. Peele that Dr. Gabor Mate’s ideas are reductionist and harmful to people suffering from SUD?
Do you think Dr. Peele’s concerns are not trauma-informed?