NCJ Number
127227
Date Published
1990
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the problem of drug use in California, highlights the options for addressing the problem, previews the 1990 drug-related legislation, and suggests legislative priorities for responding to the problem.
Abstract
The State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs estimates there are 2.1 million problem drug users in California. A recent survey by the American Management Association suggests that illicit drug use in California may significantly exceed levels elsewhere in the Nation. A coordinated legislative response to drug use in California ideally would ensure adequate treatment and prevention services for at-risk populations while providing appropriate resources for enforcing the State's drug-trafficking laws and penalties. Suggested legislative priorities include ensuring the availability of drug treatment on demand, reducing waiting lists for drug treatment, expanding perinatal substance-abuse activities to include inhome services and residential treatment, funding treatment and prevention programs that target at-risk youth, and implementing treatment and prevention services in prisons. In the area of law enforcement, recommendations include increasing funds to local governments for street-level drug law enforcement and the adoption of drug-testing and education programs throughout the criminal justice system for arrestees, prisoners, parolees, and those out on bail. 22 notes