Date Approved

2013

Date Posted

8-13-2013

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Social Work

First Advisor

Donald Loppnow

Abstract

The "War on Drugs" started with the Controlled Substances Act and expanded with the Sentencing Reform Act and Anti-Drug Abuse Acts. Mostly they have provided tertiary measures that have done little to eradicate drugs or drug addiction. Instead, the U.S. remains the number one nation in the world in drug use. In addition, there is an ever growing prison population that has surpassed unsustainable levels. Many of the people behind bars are there for drug related crimes. It is time to examine drug policies, particularly those that send people to prison, and to consider establishing more programs that help people overcome challenges of substance abuse. This thesis will critically examine these policies and make recommendations for policy makers to consider.

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