WASHINGTON, June 15 (UPI) -- Citing data linking U.S. drug use as a root of crime, the Obama administration says it supports drug treatment alternatives over incarceration.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy's 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Annual Report showed more than 50 percent of adult men arrested for either misdemeanor or felony crimes in 10 sample cities and/or counties, tested positive for at least one drug other than alcohol.
The range of positive test results, from 52 percent in Washington, D.C., to 83 percent in Chicago, indicates the connection between drug use and crime, said Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy.
Kerlikowske said in a release the president's drug policies are intended to stop the circle of drug use, arrest, incarceration, release, and re-arrest.
"Drug addiction is too often the root of crime in our communities. Supporting innovative initiatives that divert non-violent offenders into treatment instead of jail and expand treatment access for incarcerated individuals can help break the vicious cycle of drug use and crime, reduce recidivism, and make our communities healthier and safer," Kerlikowske said.
"These findings illustrate why we must approach our nation's drug problem as a public health and safety problem."
In each of the 10 U.S. counties participating in the ADAM II program, data was collected from adult male detainees through voluntary interviews and drug tests within 48 hours of arrest. A sample was taken from all individuals, not just those arrested on drug charges, the release said.
It was not clear whether a blood or urine test was given to detect the presence of marijuana, opiates, cocaine, Darvon, PCP, methadone, amphetamines/methamphetamine, benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
