Pubdate: Thu, 21 Aug 2003
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2003 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

PRISONS NEED MORE DRUG REHAB

Our position: Building more prisons without new drug programs doesn't make 
sense.

Florida lawmakers could have addressed the rapid growth of the state- 
prison system with proven cost-effective means. Instead they've picked the 
most simplistic and expensive route of all -- building more prisons.

People convicted of drug-related crimes account for the single largest 
group of prisoners in Florida, but that group also responds to 
rehabilitation better than most other categories of prisoners. Florida 
prisoners who complete drug-rehabilitation programs are much less likely to 
end up in prison again than those who fail to complete the programs. 
Studies in other states also show that rehabilitation works, and is far 
less costly than repeated incarcerations.

Even though effective treatment programs exist, Florida lawmakers began 
cutting back on them two years ago. This year, the state earmarked $7.7 
million for inmate drug treatment, less than half the amount it had 
earmarked for treatment in 2001.

Their stinginess doesn't make sense. In June and July, when Florida 
experienced the highest monthly admission totals in more than a decade, the 
largest increase occurred among those convicted of drug offenses.

Lawmakers' decision last week to raid $66 million from state reserves to 
build 4,000 new prison beds is only half a solution. Inevitably, it will 
drain future state budgets to pay for staff and equipment. Any expansion of 
prison beds should be partnered with expansions in drug rehabilitation.

Drug-rehabilitation programs won't make Florida soft on crime, but they 
will save the state money.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom