NCJ Number
116597
Date Published
1989
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This study by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center examined drug abuse, drug laws, and drug offenders in the State.
Abstract
Data on drug offenders were obtained from the Offender-Based Transaction Statistics/Computerized Criminal History files to identify the arrest population. The files show approximately 2,800 adults arrested at least once for drug offenses during 1984. A discussion of the causes of drug abuse draws upon Robert Ferguson's book, 'Drug Abuse Control.' Some of the causes identified are association with drug users, emotional instability, curiosity, boredom and leisure time, relaxation and pleasure, a search for the meaning of life, and spiritual and identity formation. A review of drug laws encompasses both Federal and State (Hawaii) laws. A brief discussion of drug abuse prevention strategies focuses on education of the young that will impact their attitudes and behavior. Descriptions of drug treatment approaches address therapeutic communities, detoxification, abstinence, and methadone maintenance. The benefits and disadvantages of drug testing are outlined, followed by an analysis of drug arrests for 1984, including dispositions and offender characteristics. 18 tables, 32 notes.