NCJ Number
178
Date Published
Unknown
Length
131 pages
Annotation
PRESENT METHODS OF TREATING DRUNKENNESS OFFENDERS AND AN EXPLORATION OF PROMISING ALTERNATIVES ARE REEXAMINED.
Abstract
ONE OF EVERY THREE ARRESTS IS FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS. THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM APPEARS INEFFECTIVE TO DETER DRUNKENNESS OR TO MEET THE PROBLEMS OF THE CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC OFFENDER. INCLUDING DRUNKENNESS WITHIN THE SYSTEM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE BURDENS AND DISTORTS SYSTEM OPERATIONS. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THAT DRUNKENNESS SHOULD NOT IN ITSELF BE TREATED AS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND THAT ADEQUATE CIVIL DETOXIFICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE ESTABLISHED. COMMUNITIES SHOULD ESTABLISH DETOXIFICATION UNITS AS PART OF COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAMS, AND SHOULD COORDINATE AND EXTEND AFTERCARE RESOURCES. APPENDICES INCLUDE ARTICLES ON VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES TO PRESENT METHODS OF TREATMENT.