Regarding whether people who have committed crimes can completely get rid of their vices, this question involves many fields such as psychology, sociology, and criminal justice. The answer is not absolute. Here are some key points to help a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue： --- ### 1. **The possibility of rehabilitation exists** -**Empirical research**: Many studies have shown that a significant proportion of offenders (especially non-violent or first-time offenders) can successfully return to society after receiving appropriate support. For example, data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) show that age and stable social relationships (such as family and work) will significantly reduce the recidivism rate. -**Personal factors**: Individual motivation, self-awareness and environmental changes are essential. Some people have truly transformed through education, vocational training or psychotherapy. --- ### 2. **Challenges and obstacles** -**Label effect**: Social discrimination against "ex-offenders" may lead to employment difficulties, social isolation, and indirectly promote recidivism. The "label theory" proposed by criminologist Edwin Lemert explains this vicious circle. -**Systemic deficiencies**: The prison environment may strengthen criminal networks or lack effective rehabilitation projects. Countries such as Norway have achieved a lower recidivism rate (about 20%, much lower than 60%+ in the United States) through prison systems that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. -**Addiction or psychological problems**: When it comes to addictive crimes such as drugs and gambling, if there is no professional intervention, the vices may be repeated. --- ### 3. **Key conditions that affect the reform** -**Social support**: Family acceptance and community support (such as transitional dormitories, psychological counseling) can greatly improve the success rate. -**Economic opportunity**: Stable work with legal income reduces economic-driven recidivism. -**Legal policies**: The sequestration system of criminal records (such as the "elimination of criminal records" in some countries) or policies to reduce employment discrimination can help restart. --- ### 4. **Individual differences and complexity** -**Types of crimes**: The results of studies on recidivism rates such as violent crimes and sexual crimes have varied, but even in these areas, there are cases of long-term treatment changes. -**Time factor**: The recidivism rate usually declines with age, especially after the age of 40. --- ### 5. **Misunderstandings to be avoided** -**Stereotypes**: Not all offenders are "inherently difficult to change", and many people's behaviors are related to specific situations (such as poverty and coercion). -**Absolute conclusion**: Using "usually" to summarize all cases may ignore the specific background. For example, the success rate of rehabilitation for juvenile offenders is often higher than that of adult recidivists. --- ### Summary Whether the offender can completely change depends on personal determination, whether society gives opportunities, and whether systematic support is in place. Although some people may repeat the same mistakes, through scientific corrective measures and an inclusive social environment, many people can truly say goodbye to the past. What is more worth thinking about is this question: ** How do we build a social system that is more conducive to salvation than exclusion? ** If you need to further explore specific cases or statistics, you can add directions.