"Need to Change Perception of Drug Crimes"... Growing Calls for Strengthened Rehabilitation Support

4 out of 10 Drug Offenders Relapse
"Judicial Process Is the Best Opportunity for Rehabilitation"

Mr. A (27, male) voluntarily admitted himself to a private drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation center called 'Gyeonggi-do Darc' after completing drug detox treatment at a hospital in 2021. However, he left the center in less than three months, relapsed into drug use, and ended up serving a prison sentence. A center official stated that they understand Mr. A took on the role of a dealer after his release, beyond simple drug use.

Mr. B (27, male) first encountered drugs seven years ago in Australia during a working holiday, encouraged by a friend. Even after returning to Korea, he could not shake off drug use. After living addicted to drugs for about five years, he voluntarily admitted himself to a rehabilitation center due to his parents’ tears. After successfully quitting drugs for over a year, Mr. B is currently enrolled in the Department of Addiction Rehabilitation at Wonkwang University. He also works as an assistant lecturer for drug treatment courses and is dedicated to studying with the dream of becoming a drug counselor.

Actor Yoo Ah-in, who is suspected of drug use, is leaving the Mapo Police Station in Seoul after his arrest warrant was dismissed on the 24th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although the number of drug offenders is increasing significantly every year, there are still criticisms that support systems for drug addicts’ rehabilitation remain insufficient. Because drugs are highly addictive, failure to rehabilitate can lead to repeated crimes. For this reason, experts unanimously agree on the need to change perceptions of drug crimes and strengthen rehabilitation support systems.

According to the 'White Paper on Drug-Related Crimes' released by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office last year, the number of drug offenders increased from 14,123 in 2017 to 16,153 in 2021. Among them, 5,916 people were punished for committing drug crimes again, accounting for 36.6% of all drug offenders. This means that about four out of ten drug offenders relapse into drug use.

Despite such high addictiveness, the number of people receiving treatment orders for rehabilitation is remarkably low. According to data submitted by the Supreme Court to the office of Assemblyman Seo Young-seok of the Democratic Party on the 13th, 2,075 drug offenders were sentenced to probation in the first trial last year, but only 15 cases (0.7%) were given treatment orders. Since the court was authorized to order drug treatment for drug offenders in December 2016, only 173 treatment orders have been issued up to last April. During the same period, only 1.4% of the 12,011 probation sentences included treatment orders.

Treatment orders are divided into two types: protective treatment and custodial treatment. Protective treatment refers to a measure that requests inpatient treatment at one of the 21 specialized drug addiction treatment hospitals nationwide to receive drug addiction treatment. Custodial treatment is decided by the court upon the prosecutor’s request, and those sentenced to custodial treatment are admitted to a 'drug addiction rehabilitation center' in a custodial treatment facility for treatment.

The effectiveness of drug addiction treatment lectures is also under scrutiny. Most drug offenders are ordered by the court to attend drug addiction treatment lectures. In 2021, 1,187 people were conditionally suspended from prosecution by the prosecution on the condition of completing education. However, these lectures are criticized for merely explaining the basic types and harms of drugs. Professor Yoon Heung-hee of Hansung University’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Studies said, "Existing drug addiction treatment lectures are merely formalities," adding, "A system is needed that ensures continuous monitoring and rehabilitation support so that individuals never return to drug use."

It has also been revealed that the general public believes rehabilitation support for addicts is necessary. According to a survey conducted by research company Meta Survey from the 30th of last month to the 6th of this month targeting 400 men and women aged 10 to 60, 60.4% answered that they believe "support for addict treatment will help eradicate drug crimes" when asked the question.

Director Lim Sang-hyun of Gyeonggi-do Darc Center said, "For addicts, escaping addiction is the top priority. Prevention and punishment are important, but strengthening rehabilitation support is urgent," adding, "Most users eventually become dealers. Strengthening rehabilitation support alone can reduce drug suppliers." In fact, Mr. B also acted as a dealer to cover drug purchase costs before entering the center.

Experts agree that perspectives on drugs must change and rehabilitation support must be strengthened. Drug specialist lawyer Park Jin-sil diagnosed, "The existence of treatment orders is not well recognized, so courts rarely utilize them," adding, "There is still a perception that punishment and education should be the main approach to drug addiction." He continued, "Rehabilitation support is very weak in Korea. After release, there are few connected rehabilitation institutions, and quitting drugs becomes entirely the individual's responsibility," emphasizing, "The best opportunity to quit drugs is when one enters the judicial process. Various methods need to be explored." Director Lim also said, "Many addicts come to rehabilitation centers after being personally recommended by investigators. An official system to connect rehabilitation treatment is necessary."

A blind spot was also pointed out where suspects are exposed to drugs from the start of investigation until the court’s order. Jeon Kyung-soo, president of the Drug Crime Society, said, "(Suspects) are exposed to drugs without protection until the court’s order. Users are patients addicted to drugs. Before punishment, measures to prevent additional drug use and support rehabilitation are essential," adding, "The state must protect the lives of its citizens. Practical rehabilitation support is urgent." Lawyer Kim Hee-jun, a former prosecutor who led the actual case that inspired the drug crime drama 'Suriname,' said, "There is a system in Korea where one can receive treatment through the Treatment Insurance Review Committee if they apply voluntarily. However, most people are unaware that such a system exists," emphasizing, "Active promotion and guidance of this system are necessary, and the budget must be expanded."

Meanwhile, the government recently established a drug rehabilitation team responsible for policies on rehabilitation and recidivism prevention for drug offenders. The Ministry of Justice announced the 'Partial Amendment Ordinance on the Enforcement Rules of the Ministry of Justice and Its Affiliated Agencies' on the 19th of last month, which includes this change. The plan is to promote systematic and professional rehabilitation and recidivism prevention policies for drug offenders through the drug rehabilitation team.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.