In dealing with the continuing battle of illegal drug use in the United
States, there are alternative ways to deal with minor drug offences. One
thing that should be understood is that an individual that has a drug issue
may not be simply using drugs to have a “good time.” Many drug users
are suffering from other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or
physical pain. Taking illicit drugs is sometimes a way of self-medicating.
Often times, illicit drugs are readily accessible and affordable over
prescription drugs. If one is to promote a more viable alternative to
rehabilitation than to warehousing offenders, the individual’s motivations
must be taken into consideration as well. McQuilken and Copan state the
Christian responsibility to criminal justice is the advocating for a just and
merciful society that asserts God’s standards.[1]-Jesus’ sacrifice on the
cross is the ultimate example; though all of humanity was guilty of sin,
Christ exacted punishment upon Himself to reconcile humanity to the
Father (Rom 5:8, 1 Pt 3:18). We must acknowledge humanity’s
brokenness, and people make emotional decisions because of their pain.
All things considered; a one size fits all approach is not always applicable
for rehabilitation. In dealing with these kinds of crimes, the primary
function should not be punishment but restoration of the offender.
McQuilken and Copan advocate this point through the statement, “God’s
primary purpose in punishment has always been the restoration of the
sinner. ‘Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God,
and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?’”[2]
Some Christian responses to address minor drug offences are Christ
centered drug rehabilitation programs. This, of course, cannot be
mandated but a faith-based drug rehab can be offered as an option to the
offender - especially if they attempted rehab in the past. The church I
attended in Augusta, GA offered an offenders reentry program for
individuals that were involved with a minor drug offense. This program
partnered with the Juvenile Court to focus on minors and the Probation
Office for adults. These individuals are offered the opportunity to go
through a program to learn the dangers of drugs, alternative methods of
coping, and job skills training. The individuals had an option to attend but
must complete the entire program to receive credit. They would receive a
reduce sentence and teenagers could apply for their first offense to be
expunged prior to their record being sealed into adulthood. For those with
deeply embedded issues, additional mental health counseling would be
recommended.
An additional program that I am aware of requires the individual to remain
in the church’s housing facility for a period of thirty days, with no contact
with the outside world while going through an intense Bible study
program. Another alternative to jail time, specifically for those that may
not have a serious addiction, could be a program that provides a service
to the community while educating the offender on the effects of drug use.
An offender can be educated on the causes, issues, and results of illegal
drug use, then be required to teach other offenders on the same material.
This type of program would be self-sustaining while requiring limited
resources.
566 words
[1]-Paul Copan and Robertson McQuilkin, “An Introduction to Biblical
Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2017), 432.
[2]-Ibid., 440.
