WAUSAU — On Oct. 2, the AOD Partnership will host local experts, advocates and individuals in recovery as a part of their regular meeting schedule to discuss the impact that addiction is having on the criminal justice system.

The use of alcohol and other drugs can negatively impact all facets of a person’s life, including relationships, health, work and freedoms, according to the AOD Partnership. One of the most costly areas that addiction can impact the community is within the criminal justice system, where nationally:

  • An estimated 80 percent of offenses leading to incarceration were a factor in crimes such as domestic violence, property offenses, disorderly conducts and driving under the influence.
  • It is also estimated that nearly 50 percent of inmates are clinically addicted.
  • About 60 percent of individuals test positive for illegal drugs at the time of their arrest.

However, there is a silver lining, the AOD Partnership claims. Studies show that the outcomes for treatment are comparable for someone who voluntarily enters treatment versus those that are court ordered to participate. For every $1 spent in treatment, there’s an estimated savings of $4-$7 due to reductions in drug-related crime, criminal justice costs and theft.

The public is invited to hear more about local programs that are working to stop the revolving door of the criminal justice system, and further build a community that is supportive of recovery.

If you go

What: AOD Partnership Meeting on addiction and the criminal justice system
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2
Where: Northcentral Technical College – Wausau Campus (E101), Campus Drive

More info: No RSVP required. One free CEU offered through NTC.