NIH Radio
NIDA Report Says Effective Treatment of Addiction Saves Money, Reduces Crime
Brief Description:
A report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that effective treatment of drug and addiction can save communities money and dramatically reduce crime.
Transcript:
Akinso: A report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that effective treatment of drug and addiction can save communities money and dramatically reduce crime. The report, called Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations, outlines some proven components for successful treatment of drug abusers who have entered the criminal justice system, leading to lower rates of drug abuse and criminal activity. Untreated substance abuse adds significant cost to communities, including violence and property crimes, prison expenses, court and criminal costs, and child abuse and neglect, according to NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow, who said the principles of drug abuse treatment are powerful and practical tools that will allow communities to choose between ongoing treatment and ongoing crime.
Volkow: By providing data about how effective treatment is — I mean it's one of those situations that is a win, win because society wins in that you decrease crime. And the individual wins in that you will provide them with help to overcome the disease of drug addiction. And everybody wins because you are saving dollars from the tax payer.
Akinso: Dr. Volkow said that without proven treatment and therapeutic follow-up in a community setting, addicted offenders are at a higher risk of relapse despite a long period of forced sobriety. You can read this report on NIDA's website www.drugabuse.gov. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland.
About This Audio Report
Date: 8/04/2006
Reporter: Wally Akinso
Sound Bite: Dr. Nora Volkow
Topic: Drug Abuse
Institute(s): NIDA
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