Substance Abuse in the Criminal Justice System

Drug and alcohol abuse is a large and rapidly growing problem in the United States. One population which is largely affected is the general correctional population. As of 1999 there were over 6,288,600 people in the correctional population (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2001). The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) estimate that 60 percent to 83 percent of the correctional population has used drugs at some point in their lives. This is twice the estimated drug use of the entire population of the United States (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

Many crimes are committed by people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In 1997 it was estimated that over 22 percent of federal male inmates and 32 percent of state male inmates were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they committed the crime (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2001). It was also estimated that over 19 percent of federal female inmates and over 40 percent of state female inmates were also the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time the crime was committed (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

The desire to obtain drugs can often play a part in crimes that are committed. In 1997, it was estimated that 19 percent of federal prisoners and 16 percent of state prisoners committed crimes to pay for drugs (Office of National Drug Control Policy).

The National Center of Addiction and Substance abuse (CASA) estimates that in 1996 over $38 billion was spent on corrections. More than $30 billion was spent on inmates who had a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse, were using drugs at the time the crime was committed, were convicted of drug and/or alcohol related crimes, or committed their crime for money to buy drugs (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2001). It is estimated that over $20,000 is spent on each state and federal inmate per year (Office of National Drug Control Policy). Costs in a local jail can range from over $8,000 up to over $66,000 (Office of National Drug Control Policy).