RESPONSES ON TOO LITTLE DRUG REHAB

I applaud Glenn Smith's front page feature article calling attention
to the low number of drug treatment programs in South Carolina's
prisons. However, the public should know that in Charleston County
there are distinguished efforts being made to correct this insufficiency.

Charleston County's Detention Center Intensive Outpatient Program
helps approximately 250 inmates a year start on the road to recovery
from alcohol and drug addiction. Two recent studies have shown
excellent success rates for the program. In one study, 76 percent of
inmates, and 87 percent in another, were not reincarcerated after
they completed the program and were released.

Recognizing the successes of the Detention Center Intensive
Outpatient Program and the need for more treatment in prisons,
Charleston County Council recently approved the addition of three
more counselors, which will more than double the program's capacity.
Those of us who work in the treatment field are greatly appreciative
of the support we have received from Charleston County Council, as
well as the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and the courts.

Mr. Smith did an excellent job identifying a statewide problem, and
local readers need to know that a strong collaboration of law
enforcement and treatment agencies is already leading the way in
implementing solutions right here in Charleston County.

MARK COWELL

Director

Charleston County Department

of Alcohol and Other Drug Services

Mount Pleasant