REHABILITATING DRUG OFFENDERS A WORTHWHILE ENDEAVOR

The good news is that the federal prison system's drug treatment program
seems to work.

According to Cathy Thompson, who will coordinate a drug abuse program at
the soon-to-be-opened Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in Gilmer County,
a recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that federal
drug offenders who participate in treatment programs are less likely to be
re-arrested for drug offenses.

The program is offered to non-violent offenders and is intensive, according
to Thompson. It is a 500-hour program that requires a substantial amount of
class work and studying on the prisoner's own time.

"It certainly isn't an easy thing," Thompson said.

But it is beneficial to both the inmate and the general public in several
ways. The program rehabilitates drug offenders and hopefully prepares them
for life outside the walls of prison. It also saves taxpayers the expense
associated with repeat offenders.

The bad news is that the drug treatment programs are voluntary. While
judges can recommend a prisoner participate, it is not mandatory.

"It is somewhat discouraging when inmates don't take advantage of resources
available," Thompson said. "I see the same ones coming back again and again."

Granted, some lawbreakers are not prone to rehabilitation. As the old
saying goes, "you can only help those who choose to help themselves."

Still, it would be worthwhile for the federal government to further develop
what is already a solid program. Rehabilitating drug offenders makes sense
- -- in terms of bettering society and the government's bottom line.