Re: "Freedom behind bars" (Insight, June 4):

Jim and Ed Gogek are correct and accurate in their presentation of
in-prison substance-abuse treatment and the need for mandatory
treatment, after-care and 12-step involvement. It is, however, a
limited view of the social impact and benefits to society!

I have worked in the treatment of addicts and violent offenders at
Donovan State Prison -- adolescents involved in substance abuse, gang
activity and behavioral problems; young children, the victims of
neglect and abuse; incest and rape victims; and functional adults with
drinking problems. What do they have in common? They and/or someone in
their family have drug or alcohol problems.

Providing substance-abuse treatment for criminals not only reduces the
crime rate, but also the cost of building and maintaining new prisons,
per-capita police protection, courts, welfare rolls and child
protective services, insurance rates and domestic violence programs.
The potential savings from "sane" treatment investments are phenomenal.

Davis S. Gray,
San Diego