Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jan 2002 Source: Olympian, The (WA) Copyright: 2002, The Olympian Contact: http://www.theolympian.com/forms/lettrfrm.shtml Website: http://www.theolympian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/319 Author: Carl Flowers Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) INCOMPLETE TREATMENT LEADS TO DRUG RELAPSES This letter is in reference to a recent article titled "Study calls for treatment, not prison, for drug users." The research regarding alternatives to prison for drug crime violations consistently indicates that successful outcomes can be achieved with combinations of sanctions, treatment and supportive resocialization. In application of these elements, however, the programs often fail to effectively extend the structure of treatment and support for a long enough period for the individual to achieve significant attitudinal and behavioral changes. In going for the short-term approach (treatment) as a alternative to the long-term approach (prison), the public often has expectations that the treatment programs cannot meet. Drug-use relapse and criminal recidivism are often the outcome of incomplete treatment plans that end with intensive outpatient treatment and do not have resources for supportive resocialization of the individuals through continuing chemical dependency treatment linked with vocational development and transitional housing support. Treatment provided in prisons with very little community follow-up is seldom effective in preventing recidivism. Community-based treatment with committed resources for long-term resocialization can significantly reduce relapse and recidivism. Existing community treatment resources are not structured for this level of service and should not be considered the alternative for sentencing. Carl Flowers Olympia - --- MAP posted-by: Josh