In Idaho, harsh drug sentences are a significant driver behind the rising rates of female incarceration. Over the past few decades, the state’s tough-on-crime policies, particularly regarding drug-related offenses, have led to an alarming increase in the number of women behind bars. Many of these women are incarcerated for non-violent offenses, often related to addiction or involvement in the drug trade. While men make up the majority of the incarcerated population in Idaho, the rate at which women are entering the prison system has been steadily climbing. These harsh sentences not only fail to address the underlying issues of substance abuse but also contribute to the growing strain on the state’s already limited resources for female inmates. This trend highlights a critical need for reform, with a focus on alternatives to incarceration that address the root causes of drug-related offenses and provide women with the support they need to break the cycle of incarceration.