Recovery in the context of public health interventions within the criminal justice system.
Recovery in the context of the justice system and incarceration refers to a long-term process of change through which people see improvements in their health and stability, experience changes in identity, strengthen relationships, and gain direction and meaningful opportunities as they navigate reintegration into the community.
This extends beyond simply stopping substance use or avoiding reoffending.
The experience of incarceration within the justice system has a significant impact on one's recovery capital. It may compound the trauma and other factors that contribute towards substance use and offending. Recognised consequences of incarceration include reduced access to employment, education, and supportive environments, and other long-term services that build on recovery capital and reduce the risk of relapseand return to use.
Recovery capital is the total range of internal and external resources a person can draw on to begin and sustain recovery from a substance use disorder. These include personal strengths and skills, supportive relationships, stable housing, employment, health, financial resources, cultural identity and access to recovery-supportive communities.
Source: https://grn.issup.net/knowledge-share/resources/2026-04/recovery-capital
At the same time, for some people, incarceration may prompt reflection on the harm associated with their past actions and strengthen their motivation to change. Taking responsibility, seeking to make amends where possible, and addressing unresolved feelings and experiences can form an important part of growth and healing. This process should be supported rather than overlooked, while recognising that incarceration itself does not necessarily lead to recovery or personal transformation.
Effective recovery-oriented approaches, including a more intentional focus on therapeutic models, are vital to the development and support of recovery. For recovery to flourish, it must include access to treatment, psychological and physical care, supportive relationships, peer support and connections that foster recovery, opportunities for employment, and the ability to participate in the community. This also requires communities to welcome and support people in recovery, recognising that meaningful participation depends on trust being built and, where necessary, rebuilt over time.
Public health interventions within the criminal justice system comprise a multisectoral strategy that supports the deflection and diversion of individuals, where appropriate for public safety and permitted by legal frameworks, while recognising and supporting the needs and wellbeing of victims and survivors. These interventions include a wide range of services, from treatment and support to supervision and addressing criminogenic factors that contribute to criminal engagement, to promote recovery and reduce recidivism. They should also support individuals in taking accountability for their actions and, where appropriate and guided by the needs and wishes of those harmed, contribute to restoring relationships and repairing harm.
Re-entry and reintegration, on the other hand, refer to the individual's transition back into the community, where they have continued access to aftercare treatment and support required to promote recovery, while ensuring compliance with justice mandates and societal expectations
Research shows that individuals incarcerated for substance-related offences who do not receive appropriate treatment and interventions have an increased risk of coming into contact with the justice system again compared with those who receive the required support. Not surprisingly, psychosocial and health programmes have been shown to reduce recidivism and promote recovery and rehabilitation. Interventions should address not only substance use, but also criminogenic factors, including antisocial patterns of thinking and behaviour and relationships that may contribute to reoffending, while helping individuals develop practical skills to respond differently to risks and pressures after release. Overall, recovery is best supported when there is a clear orientation towards ongoing continuity of care that addresses the underlying factors contributing to substance use disorders, matches needs with access to treatment and peer and recovery support, and enables effective, meaningful reintegration into a supportive community environment.
Sources:
A Reading List for Public health interventions within the criminal justice system
The Changing Approach to Addiction - From Incarceration to Treatment and Recovery Support
