News / Education
Severe Drug Abuse in Arrests Says Study
More than half of all arrestees test positive for a controlled substance
Is anyone surprised?
The results, which have been nearly the same for a decade, were compiled from 10 test sites located throughout the United State. The results for each city ranged from 49% (Washington D.C.) to 87% (Chicago). Many of the offenders tested positive for multiple substance abuse at rates of 15% to 40%.
Marijuana is the most commonly detected illegal substance among arrestees in all but Atlanta where more arrestees test positive for cocaine use. Over 40 percent of arrestees in 8 of the 10 cities test positive for marijuana at the time of arrest, a statistic that has not changed significantly in any site since 2007.
Cocaine was the second most commonly detected substance among arrestees in 2008, except in Atlanta where it is the most commonly detected drug.
We have not gotten better at treatment in the last decade, but have improved in our ability to incarcerate. In the last decade the United States, has moved to the number one position regarding incarceration – locking up more people per capita than any country on the planet.
As we bemoan our economy, hopefully a fresh look will be had at area where we could save money – providing treatment to offenders who are addicts.
Gil Kerlikowske, director of The Office of National Drug Control Policy, said:
“ Study results once again demonstrate the connection between drug use and criminal activities, we must concentrate our resources on programs that have been proven to break the cycle of drugs and crime, jailing these offenders without offering treatment, simply defers the time when they are released back into our communities to start harming themselves and our communities again."The newly appointed drug czar Kerlikowske called for an end to the “war on drugs” in an interview reported on the reuters news service. He stated “A more balanced approach is needed, with greater emphasis on treatment programs, especially in prisons.”
This new approach to the drug problem in America marks a clear difference from the tact of previous administrations. Focusing on treatment of drug problems has shown results in many areas of the country and the world. The results are reflected in saved lives and in lower prison budgets.
Long term studies would undoubtedly demonstrate tremendous savings in terms of government, community and familial spending. In the meanwhile, saving lives should be enough of an impetus to get behind any attempt to use addiction treatment as an alternative to incarceration.
