Abstract: This chapter focuses on the extent of drug use in society and among the offending population, the connection between drug use and crime, and the treatment and prevention programs aimed at curbing drug use. The relationship between drug use and criminal activity is a complex one. There is certainly a strong correlation between the two activities. Drug use is a means of predicting or identifying potential problems in society. Targeting those involved in drug use may serve to alleviate the problems that stem from drug use. Interventions aimed at limiting drug use and related crime takes a variety of forms, and fall under three general areas—law enforcement efforts, treatment of drug users, and prevention programs. The treatment and prevention proposals and programs discussed are maintenance programs, therapeutic communities, outpatient drug-free programs, detoxification, education/information/knowledge programs, and resistance skills training. Other programs that stress self-esteem, self-awareness, and interpersonal growth in the absence of specific strategies for dealing with drugs also demonstrate minimal influence on drug use.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
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