DRUG HISTORIES AND CRIMINALITY OF INMATES OF LOCAL JAILS IN THE UNITED-STATES (1978) - IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF THE DRUG-ABUSER IN A JAIL SETTING

A survey by the Department of Justice in 1978 of inmates of local jails in the USA found that 68% had used drugs such as herion, cocaine, marihuana, amphetamines or barbiturates outside a treatment program and without a doctor''s prescription. Offenses for which relatively larger proportions of inmates reported drug use included robbery, burglary, auto theft, larceny and drug offenses. During the month prior to jail, 44% of inmates reported using drugs. Some 21% of convicted inmates reported being under the influence of drugs at the time of an offense for which convicted. Of inmates reporting drug use, 1/4 were enrolled in drug treatment program. Treatment and rehabilitation of the drug abuser in a jail setting are discussed.