Abstract This paper explains that the Torontodrugtreatmentcourt (DTC), a diversion program, has been a response to a Canadian normative criminal justice system that does not approach the underlying problem of addiction. The author points out that diversion programs, such as DTCs, are ways to interrupt the continuum of incarceration now associated with offenses created by the drug culture. The paper relates that the conventional criminal justice system offers little or nothing to counteract addiction beyond a possible referral to a treatment center, which usually brings no results. The author underscored that the Toronto DTC has a 4% recidivism rate as compared to a 45% recidivism rate of persons charged with drug-related offenses who do not pursue treatment diversion. The paper states that the cost-benefit analysis underscores the savings to the taxpayer.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The TorontoDrugTreatmentCourt Suitable Offenders
Making an Honest Effort
The Rights of the Offender
Benefits
Challenges to Expanding Drug Diversion Programs
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "The Toronto Drug Treatment Court is located in the Old City Hall complex as is thought to be Canada's busiest court house, a place to be experienced for its many mainly poor Canadians to appear, its old fashioned premises and the main venue of the city's Aboriginal Diversion (Gladue) Court. On two visits to Drug Treatment Court, it was observed that the atmosphere is civil and collaborative. Judges spoke in a direct humane manner to offenders unlike what was observed in other criminal court settings. Support workers from agencies and volunteer groups, including former graduates of the Court, were present."
Abstract This paper examines the attitude and experience of three individuals who are close to being released from a drugtreatment facility. The author points out that it is expected that these individuals will experience considerable challenges when they return to their regular lives. The paper relates that these obstacles should not be a total hindrance in the recovery process.
From the Paper "The young male sat down in the chair across from me, and immediately, I could tell that something was not quite right. His prior history addressed a serious drug problem for which he had sought treatment, and his condition had improved dramatically. However, something was not quite right; it was as if he had lost his best friend, and in this case, he still felt the ill effects of drug withdrawal. Although the physical symptoms had disappeared, he was not ready to reenter the real world environment without a vice to hold onto. He was bitter yet cautiously optimistic that his life would improve, but he could not say when. As he spoke, it was evident that he held very little confidence in his own abilities to lead a productive life, and therefore, he believed that his own situation was hopeless."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of drugtreatment centers. Specifically it discusses the effectiveness of inpatient versus outpatient drugtreatment and the success rate for inpatient versus outpatient treatment. It also attempts to show how the overall success rate of any treatment program, whether inpatient or outpatient, still leaves room for improvement.
From the Paper "There are several key differences between inpatient and outpatient drug treatment centers, as their name implies. Some of these differences have marked results on the overall success or failure of patients seeking drug treatment. Ultimately, the goal of all treatment centers is to aid the patient in overcoming their drug or alcohol addiction. However, as studies show, some treatment centers are simply better at this than others, and in addition, there are many factors in the addict's own personality and lifestyle that can help dictate the success or failure of their treatment program. "
Abstract This paper provides an introduction to drugtreatment available in society. It then looks at how drugtreatment works and the different types, such as short-term and long-term options. The methods of short-term residential programs, the twelve-step program, methadone maintenance program, and a therapeutic community option are all discussed.
From the Paper "Treatment for drug addiction is an essential method for breaking one's dependence with drugs, while providing the foundation needed to restore normality into his or her life. At first glance this process seems to be very basic and repetitive as its intent is to achieve the same goal, which is to be drug free. However, the type of drug treatment that is utilized varies from person to person. Once the proper help is provided, the individual will gradually excel first over the addiction and then in life by following the guidelines incorporated in the treatment. In return, the drug treatment will have provided the education and knowledge needed to live a typical life free from drug addiction."
Abstract This paper reviews how the increase of female drug abuse has changed how American families have adapted. It also looks at the burdens that are placed upon their children, their families and the court system. The paper then discuss some of the benefits to women and their families when they are placed in gender-specific drugtreatment facilities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Life History of a Female Drug User
Obstacles
Community Influences
The Impact on Families
Types of Treatment Available
Conclusion
From the Paper "Court ordered out patient treatment is another benefit for female addicts. Court ordered treatment allows an offender to receive drug treatment therapy and counseling in lieu of going to jail for a criminal act. Many areas have Drug Courts, that mirrors court ordered out patient treatment. Out patient treatment allows the women to remain free in order to care for their households and children, but they are mandated to remain clean. The women are assigned a probation officer, who ensures the completion of mandatory guidelines established by the judge. Frequent drug test are conducted to determine if the women are drug free, and most are required to attend NA meetings, parenting seminars, and vocational training. All of the requirements are geared to reducing the rates of relapse and recidivism of the women. Drug court is usually available for 1st time offenders."
Abstract This marketing geography paper addresses two different retail developments in Toronto: (1) Commerce Court, and (2) Danforth Avenue. The author reports visits to each site and estimations of customer density based on 15 minute point observations. The paper describes Commerce Court as a convenience-oriented planned retail area catering to locally employed consumers and the Danforth Avenue as a surface, neighborhood retail area encouraged by local residential areas, specialty shops and restaurants, which also draw leisure consumers from other areas.
From the Paper "Ken Jones (2004) noted retailing as a major component of the Canadian economy (p. 185). In the next pages, two very different Toronto retail areas provide a sense of how successful retail areas are geared to expected, often particular, clienteles. North American research has shown the great importance of the shopping environment to customer tastes and encouragement given to different kinds of retail ventures (Walmsley & Lewis, 1993, p. 159). "
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of prescription drug use to treat psychiatric disorders. The paper relates to side effects and other risk factors of prescription drug use. The paper also questions how drugtreatment prevents alternative therapies for mental disorders.
Abstract The paper discusses how treating a drug offender's addiction is the best way to keep him from re-offending. The paper looks at Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC), a program designed to help offenders get treatment with the hopes of decreasing crime. The paper discusses the mission and components of TASC and looks at studies that compare TASC, an involuntary treatment program, with voluntary treatment programs. The paper also examines studies that analyze which types of offenders TASC is most effective in treating and reforming. The paper concludes that, overall, the TASC program seems to be effective by treating offenders longer and thereby improving recidivism rates.
From the Paper "Researchers in the Criminal Justice field have discovered that treating a drug offender's addiction is the best way to keep them from reoffending to support their habit. The problem that justice officials face is that without outside pressure and guidance very few drug offenders will seek treatment for themselves. The solution to this problem is coerced drug treatment programs, whereby an offender is made to attend as a condition of their probation or parole, or as a form of diversion. One program designed to help offenders get treatment with the hopes of decreasing crime is Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC). TASC was started in 1972 as part of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act (Satel, 1999). TASC attempts to coordinate the activities of the criminal justice system and drug treatment programs."
Abstract This paper addresses the effect of the war on drugs. It specifically focuses on the problem of overcrowded correctional organizations in Arizona. The paper also provides three workable solutions to this situation. It suggests that legalization, reforming the laws, and drugtreatment and education programs will help reduce the prison population.
Table of Contents:
Legalization
Reform the Laws
DrugTreatment and Education Programs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Court supervised drug treatment and education programs are more effective than imprisoning nonviolent drug offenders. Mandatory treatment should be used for first and second time nonviolent drug offenders. Studies have shown that there could be a 73% success rate in educating and treating drug offenders than by punishing them in an overcrowded prison (National Families in Action, 2002). The court supervised drug and treatment programs would only cost 1/8 as much as a prison (National Families in Action, 2002). Not only would these programs free up prison space for violent offenders, but also save millions of dollars over the next decade. The millions of dollars that would be saved by eliminating prison time can be used to fund these drug treatment and education programs. The offenders who complete the treatment program will be rewarded with the tools to deal with their addictions, avoid incarceration, and their drug charges to be dropped. The mandatory drug treatment and education programs will treat the addict, free up prison space, and save tax payers money."
Abstract The paper proposes a patient perception that would look at whether patients' perceived efficacy of their cancer treatment equals that of their doctors' analysis of their well being as cancer patients. The study seeks to establish whether a particular type of treatment and cancer drug helps improve the patient's perception of the improvement of their health condition. The paper discusses and analyzes extensively descriptions of patient profiles and their attitude towards their sickness.
Outline:
Introduction
Review Of Related Literature
Research Objectives
Methodology
a) Research Design
b) Research Methods
i) Survey
ii) Focus Interviews
c) Sampling
d) Data Analysis
Bibliography
From the Paper "Though this study follows a dominantly quantitative paradigm, the researcher will also informally interview medical doctors in order to generate information that may not be provided or discussed in the patient perception survey. These information and data includes interviewing the doctor about patients' histories, response to cancer drug treatment, and his/her overall opinion about the patient in general."
Abstract This paper studies the use of Ritalin and other pharmaceutical options in treating children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After providing an overview of the disorder and its diagnosis in children, the paper then analyzes the efficacy and controversy over using Ritalin and other drugs (including dextroamphetamines) to treat ADD/ADHD. The author looks at dosing suggestions and potential side-effects, concluding that the benefits of Ritalin -- when properly proscribed and used -- outweigh the risks.
From the Paper "Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and its close relative Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurological developmental disabilities which are known to effect between 3-5% of school age youth. Scientists have suggested that the disorders are genetically transmitted. Research has not definitively shown that either disorder is chemically based, although some doctors believe that ADD/ADHD are caused by a chemical imbalance in specific neurotransmitters that normally help the brain regulate behavior. The National Institute of Mental Health has shown, however, that subjects with ADD or ADHD have a lower rate of glucose usage in the brain - glucose being the brain's primary source of energy. However, Merck states that less than 5% of children with the disorder show any signs of neurologic damage or structural abnormality in the brain."
Abstract This paper defines multiple sclerosis (MS) as a common neurological disorder responsible for substantial neurological morbidity. MS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, the spine and the brain. This paper evaluates and analyzes various published medical articles and research studies related to the treatment of MS. This paper discusses the use of interferon-beta-1a also known as Avonex, for the treatment of MS. The company that manufactures Avonex notes that while MS is an unpredictable disease in regards to symptoms, using Avonex as a once-a-week therapy can help slow the progression of disability in relapsing forms of MS. This paper contains case study results of patients with MS who used Avonex as well as other treatments and therapies.
Table of Contents:
What is Intramuscular Interferon Beta 1a Therapy?
Multiple Sclerosis and its Treatments What is Avonex?
MS Footnotes
Bibliography
From the Paper "Despite the setback experienced by Avonex and patient's preference for Comaxone, treatment of multiple sclerosis has come a long way. Before the investigation into interferons, physicians were only able to treat some of their MS patients with Prednisone or other immunosuppressives. The problem with Prednisone or Methotrexate (a drug used to treat cancer and also used to repress rejection of transplanted organs) were first they were not that effective and second they had long term side effects which included osteoporosis and high cholesterol for Prednisone and the possibility of catching an infection and dying with Methotrexate."
Abstract This research paper focuses on the efficacy of the drugcourts over the ten year period of change in the landscape that has impacted substance abuse treatment programs. It measures the impact, if any, that the changing landscape has had on these programs. The paper serves as a framework for an understanding and appreciation for the myriad of elements that serve as the impetus for drug abuse and discusses the issues and obstacles offenders face and must overcome in compliance with their court ordered treatment. It explores the impact of publicly and privately funded programs that provide treatment and support to individuals mandated into the programs by the drugcourts.
Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
Scope
Study Purpose
Background
Sensitizing Framework
Significance to DrugCourt Judges
Significance to Substance Abuse Program Teams
CHAPTER 2: Research Question and Methodology
CHAPTER 3: Literature Review
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: DrugCourts: Treating Drug Abusers with the Law
The DrugCourt Structure, Participants, Elements and Mission
Inside a DrugCourt Under the Influence of Addiction
Chapter Three: Mandatory Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Chapter Four: Tools of the Court Sentencing
Mandatory Drug Testing
Chapter Five: Identifying the Populations
Adult Male
Adult Female
Adolescents
A Common Thread
The Controversy
Chapter Six: Group Medical, Medicare, Medicaid, Cash and Managed Care
Chapter Seven: Program Availability
Chapter Eight: Analysis of Study Data
Chapter Nine: Summary and Conclusion
Recommendations Based on Findings
Acronyms and Definitions
Appendixes
From the Paper "Sally Satel (2000) writes that many diseases and afflictions are a manifestation of the living environment in which people live; and for that reason, it was inevitable that court ordered substance abuse treatment came about. Satel writes, ". . . it was inevitable that public health would overlap with public policy (p. 10)." With drug related crime at an all time high, and with the use and addiction to methamphetamines which has swept the country in the past decade, the inevitability has become a reality on a large scale. Unfortunately, the very services that moved from the dark side of society, where it was relegated to since the earliest history of mankind; and which during the late 1970s and 1980s moved to the forefront of medicine, psychiatric care and substance abuse, has now, even in face of the recognition for the dire need for those services, become near non-existent in for-profit health care and relegated to the spheres of community based services where is has become crippled as a viable service due to lack of funding from the public and government arenas where it now remains stagnant as a result of that lack of funding."
Abstract The paper offers a brief introduction to the U.S. legal structure and identifies the role of criminal courts and drugcourts. The paper discusses the differences between the treatment of defendants in criminal courts and drugcourts and explains that the success of drugcourts in reducing recidivism is largely due to the application of justice with leniency and treatment.
From the Paper "Both criminal and drug courts fall within the legal apparatus of the U.S. court system but they do so with somewhat different imperatives. The criminal courts have as the main priority to provide a forum for the prosecution to make the case for the conviction of the accused while, for the accused, they are a venue in which he or she can establish his or her innocence. In the typical drug courts, or similar diversion type program, they have, by the participation of the accused, essentially established so degree of guilt in advance but in recognition of the accused individual's drug problems the courts seek an alternative to simple prosecution and incarceration."
Abstract This research paper relates that some felony drug offenders are ordered by the court to complete substance abuse treatment as a condition of supervision while others are not. The paper presents a study to to determine the identifiable factors or characteristics of felony drug offenders that are ordered to complete substance abuse treatment by the court. This includes a study of offenders' criminal history, drug use history, prior treatment and characteristics.
Outline:
Literature Review
Purpose
Hypothesis
Method
Substance Abuse History/Substance Abuse Treatment History
Peer Pressure
Employment Status
Community Need
Agency Need
Plan of Action
Conclusion
From the Paper "Initial research on felony drug offenders appears to heavily focus on race sentencing disparities concerning incarceration periods. However, one might effectively argue ordering an individual to complete substance abuse treatment is a benefit of the sentence. This study is more interested in characteristics other than race. It is possible the present study may find a similar relationship to offenders ordered to complete substance abuse treatment as relationships observed in sentencing outcomes."
