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For Release July 14, 2006
On July 24, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, will release a landmark report offering 13 principles of treatment that can reduce crime, save money, and save lives - translating science into practice. NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., will be joined by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and other Chicago experts who support innovative approaches to drug abuse and crime. Also attending are former drug involved offenders whose lives have changed from treatment.
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WHAT: | Release of Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations |
WHY: | It is estimated that 70 percent of people in state prisons and local jails have used drugs regularly, compared to approximately 9 percent in the general population, yet only one-fifth ever receive treatment. Communities have feared treatment for drug abusing offenders would be too expensive; however, this report shows that not only does appropriate treatment reduce crime, it also saves money and lives. Research shows that for every dollar spent on addiction treatment programs, there is a $4 to $7 reduction in the cost of drug-related crimes. With some outpatient treatment programs, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12:1. Untreated substance abuse adds significant costs to communities, including violent and property crimes, prison expenses, court and criminal costs, emergency room visits, child abuse and neglect, lost child support, foster care and welfare costs, reduced productivity, unemployment, and victimization. |
WHEN: | July 24, 2006, 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) |
WHERE: | 1st District Headquarters Building
1718 S. State St.
Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Conference Room
Chicago, IL (Parking available) |
WHO: | Featured speakers:
- Nora D. Volkow, M.D.
Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
- The Honorable Richard M. Daley
Mayor, City of Chicago
- The Honorable Timothy Evans
Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Melody M. Heaps
President, TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities)
- Former offenders in recovery from drug addiction
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Dr. Volkow will be available for interviews immediately following the press conference.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and further information on NIDA research can be found on the NIDA web site at http://www.drugabuse.gov.
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For more information about any item in this Release:
- NIDA Contact:
Sara Rosario Wilson
301-443-6245
media@nida.nih.gov
Contacto en Español:
301-594-6145
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