Treatment for Drug Addicts

Re “In Prison, a Drug Rehab That Pays Off,” April 25:

As a counselor at the Amity program in Donovan State Prison, I feel it is important to note that due to the three-strikes legislation and the growing prison population, the California Department of Corrections has estimated that it will run out of prison space by mid-1998. The cost of keeping a potential three-strikes candidate in the Donovan program and after-care is about $7,900, compared with the potential costs of reoffending, which could run the taxpayers $500,000, not including costs related to abandoning their children to foster homes or addict mothers.

Considering that most of the men sentenced to prison will be released, and by some estimates as many as 75% are drug abusers, wouldn’t it be a waste not to use our money more efficiently? I cannot think of a better answer than supporting programs to help criminal addicts become responsible men and better fathers.

CLAUDIA SECCOMBE

Oceanside

As an advanced doctoral level student in chemical dependency, I want to compliment you on your story about the lack of substance abuse treatment (“A Grueling Waiting Game for Addicts Seeking Help,” April 24).

It’s so important to know the consequences. Your article also shows the tragic consequences of basing important public policy issues on emotion and gut instinct instead of a careful analysis of empirical scientific studies.

RABBI RICHARD ETTELSON

Cypress