Drug Abuse and Crime in Florida

Drug abuse and crime in Florida are closely related. The crime rate in Florida or in the entire country could be significantly reduced if repeat offenders were required to submit to addiction treatment. It is widely accepted that the use of drugs in penal institutes is as prevalent as the use on the streets. If an offender enters a penitentiary with a drug abuse problem they can continue to nurse their problem while incarcerated. In the rare case that someone enters prison without a drug problem they can become addicted during their sentence.

The Office of Drug Control estimates that 150-200 metric tons of cocaine and three metric tons of heroin arrive in Florida every year. To date, there is no reliable estimate of the amounts of marijuana or designer drugs being transported through our State, but law enforcement testimony leads us to believe that the volume is very high. Based on the testimony we received, we believe billions of narco-dollars are laundered through Florida's commercial and banking establishments every year.

When an offender re-enters the streets of Florida with a drug addiction and no immediate means to support themselves or their habit they become recidivists. Returning to crime is the option taken most often by these individuals. The criminal justice system is riddled with this recurring problem which negatively impacts Florida residents.

Florida residents stuck in this revolving door of the Criminal Justice System need relief in the way of both job training and addiction treatment. First the offender has to receive treatment in a drug rehab center. Treatment involvement has to be part of the parole to insure participation. After the parolee is able to sustain a period of abstinence they need job training and possible employment placement.

The research backs-up the claim that drug rehab works. There is a definite decrease in criminal activity and increase in social functioning when the offender receives duel intervention in addiction and employment. Florida streets become a safer place to live.