CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR BY PATIENTS IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT (FROM DRUG ABUSE - MODERN TRENDS, ISSUES, AND PERSPECTIVES, 1978, BY ARNOLD SCHECTER ET AL - SEE NCJ-48582)

• NCJ Number: 48595
• Author(s): L ALPERIN; J H LOWINSON; I J MARION
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: Marcel Dekker, Inc
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: PRESENTED AT THE 2ND NATIONAL DRUG ABUSE CONFERENCE, NEW ORLEANS (LA), 1975

Annotation

AN OVERVIEW OF CRIMNAL BEHAVIOR PATTERNS AMONG METHADONE MAINTENANCE PATIENTS AT THE BRONX PSYCHIATRIC CENTER - ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE IS PRESENTED.

Abstract

ALTHOUGH THERE IS A MARKED REDUCTION OVERALL IN THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME AMONG THE PATIENTS, A SMALL GROUP OF PATIENTS CONTINUE TO ENGAGE IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. APPARENTLY METHADONE MEDICATION ALONE DOES NOT PREVENT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR BY PATIENTS WHOSE LIFESTYLES AND SELF-ESTEEM ARE NOT OTHERWISE ALTERED. ATHOUGH CRIMES RELATED TO DRUG POSSESSION AND SALES ARE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED AS THE NEED FOR OPIATES IS RELIEVED BY METHADONE, SUCH CRIMES ARE NOT ALTOGETHER ELIMINATED. FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO AN ADDICT'S PERSISTENCE IN CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR INCLUDE FAILURE OF THE PROGRAM TO HELP PATIENTS ACHIEVE A CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE; LACK OF MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT; CONTINUED ABUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER NONOPIATE DRUGS; LACK OF A STABLE HOME ENVIRONMENT AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS; POOR HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY; CONTINUED ASSOCIATION WITH ADDICTS; AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM. ANALYSIS OF THE CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLIENTS AFTER TREATMENT SHOWS THAT, ALTHOUGH METHADONE MAINTENANCE CAN HELP TO DEMONSTRATE AN INDIVIDUAL'S AMENABILITY TO REHABILITATION, IN MOST CASES SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING LEGAL SERVICES, MUST ALSO BE PROVIDED. NO TABULAR DATA ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)