NCJ Number
158408
Date Published
1991
Length
171 pages
Annotation
The House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control convened a hearing in May 1991 to focus on drug treatment in prisons.
Abstract
Opening statements indicated that State and local governments spend more money on prison construction than on school construction, that the United States has 2,800 drug enforcement agents, and that the public is concerned about drugs and crime. Statements also pointed out the advantages of drug treatment in prisons, particularly in light of the disproportionate number of crimes committed by known drug users and the large number of persons arrested and imprisoned for drug- related charges. Costs of drug treatment in prisons were examined at the hearing, as well the effectiveness of drug treatment programs. Testimony was provided by representatives of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Department of Health and Human Services and by various government and private individuals. Hearing participants recognized the addictive power of drugs and stressed the importance of comprehensive and effective drug treatment strategies. References and figures