Can first time inmates ask to be sent to facilities to help with addiction and other mental health issues. A chance at recovery instead of becoming institutionized?

The staff does a thorough screening at orientation which assesses the physical, mental, and emotional health of the incoming inmate. They determine if that the addiction needs immediate attention, or conclude that general population incarceration along with drug addiction programming within the prison is the treatment path. The length of sentence, type of crime and other mitigating factors ALSO determine the designation of a sentenced offender.