Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
substance abuse treatment, criminal justice system, inmates, recidivism rate
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Sociology
Abstract
One of the major social problems in the United States is the prevalence of substance abuse. Eight percent of Americans age 12 and over used an illicit drug during the past month—9% of youths 12-17 and 20% of those 18-25 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009). Substance use is particularly common among individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Among prison inmates in the United States, 73% used drugs regularly prior to their incarceration (Petersilia, 2005). At the time inmates committed their latest offense, 50% were under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Karberg & James, 2005). From 1975 to 2000, there was a 400% increase in the U.S. incarceration rate and this was due primarily to a rapid growth in incarceration for drug offenses (Blumstein & Beck, 2005). In 2008, there were almost 2.4 million people serving time in prisons and jails (Minton & Sabol, 2009; West & Sabol, 2009).
Recommended Citation
Masters, Amber and Bahr, Dr. Stephen
(2013)
"What Works in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Offenders?,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 618.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/618