Substance Use Disorders Are Treatable: Recovery Is Possible

Justice Speakers Institute · Aug 25, 2026

Principle 2

Once justice professionals understand what science tells us about substance use disorders (SUDs), the next question is practical: Can people with SUDs be successfully treated?

Courts, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, community supervision professionals, and treatment court teams regularly encounter individuals whose substance use has been a significant factor in repeated arrests, violations, family disruption, unemployment, and other serious consequences. After seeing the same individuals return again and again, it can be easy to conclude that treatment has failed or that…