The percentage of drug offenders admitted to Texas prisons who had a prior incarceration increased from 34.8 percent in 1986 to 44.6 percent in 1988. Releasing drug-involved offenders from prison without changing their behavior is contrary to the public's interest. When released, they may commit hundreds of crimes a year as long as they have not learned to lead less criminal lives. Because of the high association between drug abuse and recidivism, it is in the public interest to place offenders in the kinds of treatment programs that have been found effective. Public expenditures for drug abuse treatment are wise and prudent investments.
Treatment works to reduce crime, drug abuse, and recidivism.
Sustained reductions in recidivism can be achieved up to six years after treatment. With appropriate drug abuse treatment more than 75 percent of offenders with chronic substance abuse histories can reenter the community and lead socially acceptable life styles. This study compared the costs of drug abuse with the cost of treatment to determine the benefits of public investments in drug treatment. The results of the Tabbush study show treatment programs to be highly cost effective. The study concluded that therapeutic communities can substantially reduce recidivism, even for high rate offenders with chronic substance abuse problems.