The American Public Health Association published a report stating that most U.S. inmates suffer from substance abuse or addiction. It found that of the 2.3 million U.S. inmates, (higher now) 1.5 million suffer from substance abuse addiction.  In this environment of helplessness; hopelessness and excessive human rights violations, it is no surprise that incarcerated persons choose to numb the effects of their current existence. 

I recently spoke with an incarcerated individual, and I could hear the pain in his voice as he describes looking down his tier and seeing men nodding off; leaning in unnatural stances, fighting to stay up. High and unaware. The combination of "illegal" substances and the increase of psychotic medications given to them to keep them "subdued" is atrocious. As a result, the massive increase of infirmary and hospital visits is alarming. 

While the staff and others in "authority" become more and more hostile towards the incarcerated persons, the discussion MUST include that these individuals spend 18-20 hours per day locked in a cage. The educational opportunities and positive interactions are little to none. What exactly is the prison system offering DAILY to help rehabilitate and heal?