NCJ Number
136225
Date Published
1992
Length
36 pages
Annotation
A drug assessment telephone survey was conducted in Wisconsin in the spring of 1991 with particular focus on drug-abuse relationships and opinions on drug legalization.
Abstract
The individuals surveyed provided a broadly typical representation of Wisconsin's overall population. The residents viewed crime and drug abuse as the top two issues facing the State. They felt that the latter was interwoven with existing social problems, especially poverty. The Wisconsin residents were aware of the risk associated with the abuse of marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol and, with the exception of occasional drinking, there was little acceptance of drug usage, especially cocaine. Most respondents felt that drug use leads to crime and that it is related to more than one-half of all serious crimes. Regional differences were found regarding progress against drug abuse. As a whole, the attitudes toward law enforcement, drug abuse, and prevention issues were complex. Although respondents favored aggressive sanction, drug testing, and other legal means against drug abuse, they also felt family influences were more effective against drug abuse. In addition, the respondents overwhelmingly resisted legalization of currently illegal drugs, favored aggressive law enforcement of drug importers and kingpins, and favored medical treatment rather than prosecution of drug abusers. However, prosecution of student drug dealers was preferred over counseling. 18 tables and 19 charts