Download Adobe PDF version of this Document Proposition 36 seeks to divert non-violent drug offenders out of the criminal justice system and into drug treatment. Research shows that treatment improves drug users' health, reduces criminal activity, and saves precious tax dollars. Treatment improves the health of drug addicts and reduces related health care costs placed on the public. Treatment is the most cost-effective way to deal with drug dependent persons. Treatment was rated as 14 times more effective than incarceration in reducing these social costs of drug abuse.
Treatment also reduces the criminal activity of drug dependent persons.
Finally, treatment can improve employment opportunities and reduce dependence on welfare for drug dependent individuals. All research references are available upon request. Supply vs. Demand Programs, Rand, '94 Outpatient methadone treatment reduces criminal activity by 57 percent.