Drug Offenders Crowd Community Corrections

by Delbert Boone



Numerous drug-related arrests and convictions occur each year, over-crowding jails and prisons, and placing a tremendous burden on probation, parole and community-based corrections across the country.

Offenders talk about past drug use, using illegal drugs when they committed their offense, driving under the influence or drinking at the time of their offense.

While longer, more severe sentences have been advocated by those who think we should teach offenders that crime does not pay, we are starting to realize that merely placing drug abusing offenders behind bars or under community-based supervision does not go far enough to address the real problem. Besides, research provides little evidence that simply imposing punishment by itself has any effect in reducing future law violations.

On the other hand, research does show that proper interventions are capable of reducing future crimes for specific types of offenders. For example, studies have shown that improvements can be achieved with substance abusing offenders through drug testing, strict supervision, continued education and appropriate counseling.

Unfortunately, many of the gains being made during incarceration are not being sustained when offenders return to the community, because affordable treatment programs for offenders that address these problems are scarce.

Many offenders feel overwhelmed by the transition from the structured environment of a correctional setting to a less structured or even non-existent aftercare program. To remain drug-free and subsequently arrest-free, offenders need to establish a plan prior to release, which includes extended aftercare and utilizing support systems.

An affordable approach to providing offenders on-going alcohol and drug education, and an excellent way to add consistency to the structure of existing programs, is through the use of video programs.

Combining video technology with established or new programs along with mandating involvement in community self-help groups as a condition of probation or parole is an effective tool to enhance programs, while reducing caseloads of an over burdened agency.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is a highly controversial issue, to say the least. But two things are generally accepted as a necessary part of any successful, results-oriented treatment or education program:


GWC’s video programs can help agencies with experts, like Delbert Boone, who has worked with drug offenders for the past twenty years. Boone’s videos address anti-social behaviors, and prompt offenders to look at the way they have been doing business with the world. His programs are designed to help offenders begin to realize their actual condition or circumstances as it relates to drug use. Those who have actually become addicted will be better able to understand and accept their condition. Abusers will better understand the uncontrollable and subtle power of mood-altering chemicals.

Incorporating video education into agency programs can simplify involving and educating all members of the offender’s family. This is important because an element of successful alcohol/drug treatment is the involvement of family or significant others.


We all understand the benefits associated with successfully managing offenders within the community. Properly integrated into your agency substance abuse program, videos can educate the offender and play an affective and cost efficient role in their success, and help decrease caseloads.


If you want results, then put Delbert Boone’s programs to work in your program. Order a preview online or call 800-851-5406.