NCJ Number
192963
Date Published
2001
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an overview of justice system interventions with drug users, reviews a number of harm-reduction approaches, and suggests a different strategy that allows the medical use of marijuana; overall, an argument is made for the decriminalization of drug use, if not for outright legalization.
Abstract
A discussion of justice system interventions with drug users concludes that drug users will continue to provide much of the fodder for America's rapidly expanding correctional system well into the 21st century. A review of current practices in drug offender intervention focuses on self-help programs; individual, family, and group counseling; psychoeducational approaches; case management; Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC); acupuncture; urine drug testing; milieu approaches; and probation. The authors then propose a paradigm shift in drug policy that would include, at a minimum, a switch from the prohibitionist or zero tolerance concept of drug use to one of harm re-education, as well as a gradual decriminalization of some currently illicit drugs; regarding the latter shift, a possible beginning would be the limited use of marijuana for medical purposes. The authors advise that funds currently being spent on drug interdiction, law enforcement, the courts, and incarceration could be better spent in improving treatment and making it available to those who need it. Reducing the number of people arrested and incarcerated for drug possession and other minor drug offenses would also allow the police to focus their efforts on more serious crimes, thus making communities safer. Further, broad efforts that contribute to stable families, safe neighborhoods, and economically healthy cities are the keys to reducing both drug use and crime. 68 references