Drug Courts in New Hampshire
Posted by Patricia Conard
on May 09, 2016
On May 9th, Tina L. Nadeau, Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding “Drug Courts in New Hampshire.” With the highest overdose death rate of all 50 states, NH Hampshire needs to take a new approach to addiction treatment. Statistics and research show that prison and traditional probation are not working. New Hampshire is following the success other states (most notably Texas) have achieved in using Drug Courts to reduce crime and best help those addicted to drugs. Another benefit is the cost savings - $8,000 for Drug Court program versus $30,000 for incarceration.
Drug Court targets high risk/high need offenders. Drug Court uses team approach made up of prosecutor, judge, defendant’s lawyer and other state officials to come up with best plan for offender. Offenders that are selected for Drug Court are required to follow stringent program of meetings, treatment, drug testing, home visits, and reporting to graduate from program. Program achieves 50-60% graduate rate.
Drug Court is more successful in treating addiction because it used sanctions, incentives and behavior modification. It is also using medical assistance and promotes the use of prescription drugs such as Naltrax to reduce relapse.
It was an extremely interesting topic and one that all New Hampshire residents need to better understand.