마약류 중독자에 대한 치료현황 및 대책에 대한 연구

Abstract

The domestic drug crimes are rapidly increasing recently. As the drug trades using the internet, particularly, have been greatly increased, drug offenders who were arrested for trading drugs using the internet in the first half year were doubled compared to the same period in the previous year. The statistics showing the amount of drugs flow in Korea is increasing so quickly that it cannot be compared to the past. There are constant news articles on recidivism of drug crimes of celebrities. Although drug crimes increase, and recidivism rate of drug offenders is significantly high as above, treatment environment for drug addicts in Korea is evaluated to be very vulnerable compared to advanced countries including the U.S. Despite the fact that treatment system has been provided in Korea, therapeutic records for drug-addicted offenders published by the public prosecution every year are very low with lack of data on treatment details and results as well as research on it. In addition, narcotic crimes are expected to continue to increase rapidly because of development of the internet, increase of Korean students studying abroad, increase of overseas visitors and development of new illegal drugs. It is considered that, although strong punishment is important for drug crimes, treatment, rehabilitation and preventive education should be employed to deal with drug-using offenders; discussing countermeasures for drug offenders without improving current treatment and rehabilitation system is likely to be nothing more than empty talk. This paper, therefore, looked at overview, programs, and effects of drug addiction treatment system in the U.S. in which the most advanced policies and facilities are equipped regarding drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation after diagnosing the current status of treating drug addicts in Korea and examining challenges. In the U.S., illegal drug abuse and drug addicts are perceived as diseases rather than crimes. Such solid establishment of recognition on drugs leads therapeutic judicial systems such as drug courts and therapeutic service through numerous drug addiction treatment organizations in the U.S. Also, Act of Lifelong Education Support for Treatment of Drug Addicts has been proposed. This bill recognizes that drug addicts cannot be dealt with punishment and argues that lifelong education on drug addiction must be required, including establishing specialized organizations and training professional manpower. This study attempted to suggest some policy implications for treatment of drug addicts and prevention of relapse. It is necessary for the government to promote conversion of recognition on drug crimes and build therapeutic systems, developing various treatment programs. With this legislation, it is expected that perception on drug addicts and drug offenses can be gradually changed from the subject of punishment to the subject of treatment in Korea.