Arguably, recidivism is mostly in the negative context. As a matter of fact, it refers to the repetition of various behaviors by individuals. Recidivism focus on morally questionable and socially unacceptable behavior that individuals repeat despite training or punishments to discourage such behavior. In most countries, recidivism is associated with issues pertaining criminal justice system. Based on research there are many causes of recidivism of mental health patients on the psychiatric units and how to curb emerging trends. In the societal context, people assert the issue of recidivism in the context that it entails failing to focus on drug or alcohol treatment procedure. Recidivism reflects backsliding and lapse from healthy and acceptable behavior among individuals; hence it is always viewed to be undesirable.
In the care of the mental health patients in a psychiatric unit recidivism is a tremendous manifestation of patient relapse. One of the reasons for recidivism in mental health patients is lack of resources to help them adjust after the mental illness. As a matter of fact, people are made to go back to their past life if there are no resources and needs to meet their requirements. The minimal financial opportunities available to the mental health patients plunges them into their past undesirable behaviors. In the case of prisoners, the cause of recidivism of the mental health patients is lack of resources in the community (Gabbard, 2007). Those released in a psychiatric unit into the community have supervision and reentry policies to guide them back into the community; majority return to poverty, minimal opportunities, as well as unemployment.
In addition, there are significant reasons for recidivism of the mental health patients from a psychiatric unit. Those with this condition face the barriers such as obtaining vocational training and education facilities. Due to discriminatory issues in society individuals is made to feel unwanted in the society leading to recidivism. The challenges that these issues presents contribute tremendously to recidivism (Wettstein, 2000). In most cases, mental health patients from a psychiatric unit lack the job and educational skills as well as soft skills of life such as communication and punctuality which are essential in the daily activities, especially in the workplace. Perhaps, statistics shows that individuals’ recidivism of mental health patients on a psychiatric unit is caused by the fact that they are mostly denied work support and professional licenses; hence, it is difficult to adjust on societal desirable lifestyle (Gabbard, 2007).
Undeniably, lack of support from family and the accessibility of supervision facilities can be another reason of recidivism. Mental health patients on psychiatric units are affected by those close to them. Hence, if they do not receive social and psychological support they will be driven to repeat undesirable behaviors. The external reasons for recidivism are lack of social acceptance, and the ability to access continues therapy (Gabbard, 2007). Those who are released or are in a disadvantaged environment are most vulnerable to recidivism. It is vital to focus on these reasons because many criminologists, psychiatrists, law enforcement agencies, general public and judicial system think that recidivism is only influenced by threats, personal choice, as well as history of individuals.
There are many suggestions that when implemented to help in curbing the trends of recidivism in society, especially among mental health patients on psychiatric units. The solution to recidivism with the mental illness is the acceptance and availability of treatment. In addition, ways to curb the trends of recidivism must focus on the causes and responsible stakeholders implement the changes (Wettstein, 2000). One of the suggestions to curb recidivism is ensuring that there is contact between individuals in the psychiatric unit and prisons in the outside world. This will foster hopeful, positive and healthy attitude among individuals. In this case, it is crucial to implement various strategies that will create this link.
Moreover, education and sharing of information play a crucial role in curbing recidivism in society. In fact, this will help in facilitating easy access to job opportunities and improved environment. The individuals from prisons and psychiatric unit need to be released in a more advantaged environment; this will develop some positive sense towards change. In addition, individuals in the society and family members should move to acceptance. It is also crucial to use motivators and increase positive reinforcement.
References
Gabbard, G. O. (2007). Gabbard's treatments of psychiatric disorders. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Pub.
Wettstein, R. (2000). Treatment of offenders with mental disorders. Guildford Publications.
