Mental Health and Addiction: Inside the Criminal Justice System
Those in charge of the prison system are not going to, on their own, reform the system for the mentally ill.
Ever wondered what it's like for someone struggling with addiction and mental health issues behind bars? In this episode of 'The MAP', host Andrew Berstein pulls back the curtain on the criminal justice system's handling of these co-occurring challenges. Berstein, an educator at Umass Boston's addiction counselor program and a passionate advocate for prison reform, shares his firsthand experiences working with incarcerated individuals who face these dual battles.
The discussion is both eye-opening and heart-wrenching, as it highlights the urgent need for systemic change. Berstein emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health to reduce recidivism and offers a glimpse into his role as a lawyer and advocate, fighting for humane treatment within the system. If you're interested in how we can better support those trapped in a cycle of addiction and incarceration, this episode is a must-listen.
It's not just about understanding the problem; it's about being part of the solution.