Pubdate: Tue, 18 Mar 2003
Source: Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram (WV)
Contact:  Clarksburg Publishing Company 2003
Website: http://www.exponent-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1667
Author: John G. Miller

REHABILITATING DRUG OFFENDERS A WORTHWHILE ENDEAVOR

The good news is that the federal prison system's drug treatment program 
seems to work.

According to Cathy Thompson, who will coordinate a drug abuse program at 
the soon-to-be-opened Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in Gilmer County, 
a recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that federal 
drug offenders who participate in treatment programs are less likely to be 
re-arrested for drug offenses.

The program is offered to non-violent offenders and is intensive, according 
to Thompson. It is a 500-hour program that requires a substantial amount of 
class work and studying on the prisoner's own time.

"It certainly isn't an easy thing," Thompson said.

But it is beneficial to both the inmate and the general public in several 
ways. The program rehabilitates drug offenders and hopefully prepares them 
for life outside the walls of prison. It also saves taxpayers the expense 
associated with repeat offenders.

The bad news is that the drug treatment programs are voluntary. While 
judges can recommend a prisoner participate, it is not mandatory.

"It is somewhat discouraging when inmates don't take advantage of resources 
available," Thompson said. "I see the same ones coming back again and again."

Granted, some lawbreakers are not prone to rehabilitation. As the old 
saying goes, "you can only help those who choose to help themselves."

Still, it would be worthwhile for the federal government to further develop 
what is already a solid program. Rehabilitating drug offenders makes sense 
- -- in terms of bettering society and the government's bottom line.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom