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.
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
Dr. Volkow will be available for interviews immediately following the press conference.