NCJ Number
128335
Date Published
1990
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report on the proceedings of a 1989 conference (Tampa, Fla.) on the drug abuse challenge focuses on juvenile drug use, open street drug sales, sentencing alternatives to detention and incarceration for drug offenders, and the effectiveness of drug treatment.
Abstract
This interdisciplinary conference began with the assumption that success in the war against drugs depends on a unified systems approach that involves all of the appropriate community institutions, agencies, and organizations as well as the general public in a unified strategy for addressing the drug problem in the most cost-effective manner. Plenary sessions focused on the effects of the drug abuse crisis, the importance of family involvement in resolving drug abuse problems, and the research agenda for dealing with the drug crisis. Conference proceedings that featured presentations on juvenile justice efforts in dealing with drug abuse covered drug abuse prevention and the characteristics of juvenile drug abusers. Proceedings on sentencing alternatives to detention and incarceration for drug offenders consider various options that offer promise for the rehabilitation of drug-abusing offenders. Other conference proceedings focused on regaining the control of neighborhoods from drug pushers, and the effectiveness of drug treatment for various types of drug offenders. A summary of the top priorities derived from the conference is provided.