NCJ Number
130437
Date Published
1990
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This analysis of policies and programs for Federal probationers and parolees who abuse drugs concludes that alcohol abuse must not be separated from other drug abuse and that the United States District Courts and Parole Commission must make abstinence from any psychoactive substance a mandatory requirement for all drug aftercare cases.
Abstract
Probation officers and others have historically regarded alcohol abuse as something distinct from drug abuse. However, current academic and clinical literature recognizes that alcoholics and other addicts share similar attitudes toward their drug of choice and cannot control their need for the drug. The research also indicates a growing trend to abuse more than one psychoactive substance. However, some treatment programs permit the use of alcohol by participants in treatment programs for other drugs, except those with a court-ordered prohibition. A change in strategy is needed if addicts are to overcome their problems. Therefore, current aftercare conditions should include a prohibition on the use of alcohol and other intoxicant substances. The goal should be to emphasize, through mandated strategic intervention, a structured program of education, treatment, testing, and abstinence. Such an approach will emphasize the need for the user to assume responsibility for the drug abuse and actively pursue a recovery program. Footnotes and 15 references