Stavros is arrested for drunk driving. His prison sentence includes attending therapy sessions to treat alcohol addiction. He doesn’t want to attend these sessions, but his sentence will be extended if he doesn’t attend them. What kind of treatment does this describe?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is coerced treatment (or mandated treatment).
Explanation:
Coerced treatment refers to a situation where an individual is legally or socially pressured to undergo treatment, often as a condition of sentencing or probation. In Stavros’s case, his attendance at therapy sessions for alcohol addiction is not voluntary—he must attend these sessions to avoid an extended prison sentence. This means he is receiving treatment under legal coercion rather than personal choice.
Coerced treatment is commonly used in criminal justice settings, especially for offenses related to substance abuse, such as drunk driving (DUI or DWI). Courts often require offenders to participate in substance abuse programs as part of their rehabilitation process. These programs aim to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying addiction problem, with the hope that treatment will improve behavior and reduce the likelihood of future offenses.
The key characteristic that distinguishes coerced treatment from voluntary treatment is the element of pressure or compulsion. The individual may not be intrinsically motivated to change or to participate, but the consequences of refusing treatment (e.g., longer prison time, fines, or probation violations) act as strong motivators to comply.
While coerced treatment can be controversial because it raises questions about autonomy and the effectiveness of therapy when participation is not voluntary, research shows mixed results. Some individuals may initially resist, but over time, some begin to engage with therapy and benefit from it. Others may only attend to avoid punishment without genuine engagement.
In summary, Stavros’s situation exemplifies coerced treatment, where therapy is mandated by the legal system as part of his sentence. This type of treatment aims to balance societal safety and individual rehabilitation by legally enforcing participation in addiction treatment programs.
If you’d like, I can also explain the differences between coerced, voluntary, and involuntary treatments or provide examples!