Can substance abuse and the criminal justice system be married?
Saul M Levin, MD, MPA, Melissa A. Davey, MPH, CHES, and Shiela Jones, PhD. Access Consulting International, Inc., 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20006-3405, 202-955-6060, slevin@accesshq.com Throughout the world, many individuals have fallen into the dangerous cycle of substance abuse and repeated incarcerations. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that approximately 50% of state prisoners and 33% of federal prisoners had committed a crime after using drugs. Furthermore, 1 in 6 prisoners engaged in criminal activity to obtain money for drugs. Often, individuals serve their sentences but do not get necessary treatment for their substance abuse. Without seeking treatment, individuals often commit repeated offenses, thus perpetuating the cycle. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) has funded the Beacon Project, a 12-month substance abuse treatment program combining the criminal justice system and treatment providers. This substance abuse treat
