The racist caricature that Black people are inherently lazy and morally corrupt underscored the perceived authority of Earle, Arkansas sheriff’s deputy Paul Peacher to haul men off to forced labor in the 1930s. Nearly a century later, similar stereotypes of people with addictions may be driving approaches to their treatment.

It’s called work therapy. Every year, thousands of people are required to work without pay as part of their substance abuse treatment. The concept is being challenged in courts across the nation and experts say there’s no proof it helps people overcome addiction.