The Cost of Incarceration vs. Treatment for Addiction and Trauma
Every year, millions of Americans are incarcerated for drug-related offenses—many of them with unaddressed trauma histories. Instead of receiving support and rehabilitation, they are placed behind bars at an enormous cost to taxpayers and communities.
- Cost of incarceration (U.S. average): $31,000–$60,000 per person, per year
- Cost of residential addiction treatment: $15,000–$30,000/year
- Cost of outpatient substance use treatment: $5,000–$10,000/year
- Cost of medication-assisted treatment (MAT): $4,000–$6,000/year
Treatment saves $4–$12 for every $1 spent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Trauma and Addiction Are Intertwined
Did you know that:
- Over 85% of people in the justice system have a history of substance use?
- More than 90% of incarcerated women report past physical or sexual trauma?
- Children of incarcerated parents are at higher risk for mental health issues, substance use, and entering the foster care or justice systems themselves?
Substance use and trauma are two sides of the same coin. When we fail to address these underlying issues, we’re not solving problems—we’re recycling them.
Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment: A Generational Solution
At Pioneer Recovery Center, we offer trauma-informed addiction treatment for women—including Circle of Security, a parenting and attachment program that helps moms:
- Understand their child’s emotional needs
- Heal from their own attachment wounds
- Reconnect with their children after addiction and abuse
When a woman learns she’s not broken—just wounded—she parents differently. And when she heals, her children have a chance to grow up in a home with safety, security, and love.
One Mother’s Healing = Generations of Change
Incarceration often leads to family separation, trauma re-enactment, and a cycle of recidivism.
Treatment with parenting support leads to healing, reunification, and resilience.
When we invest in trauma-informed care:
- Mothers become emotionally available to their children
- Families stay together
- Children learn safety and connection
- Communities thrive
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Incarceration
This isn’t just about saving money—though we do. It’s about saving lives and transforming futures.
✅ Treatment reduces recidivism
✅ Treatment supports mental health recovery
✅ Treatment is cheaper and more effective than jail
✅ Treatment creates long-term benefits for families and communities
Final Thoughts: Let’s Heal, Not Punish
If we want safer communities, healthier families, and a stronger future, we must stop criminalizing pain and start funding healing.
Pioneer Recovery Center is proud to offer trauma-informed substance use treatment for women in Minnesota. We help mothers rebuild their lives—and in doing so, we change the future for their children.
📍Located in Cloquet, MN
📞 Call us today at 218-879-6844
📧 Or email us at pioneerrecoverycenter@outlook.com
