How many prisoners are incarcerated for nonviolent and drug offenses and what role does addiction play?
Addiction and substance abuse are major driving forces for the current overcrowding crisis. Over the past two decades, the number of incarcerated nonviolent offenders has more than tripled—from 20,000 in 1986 to over 70,000 in 2006. About 20% of prisoners in California are incarcerated for a drug offense. However, according to the prison administration itself, over 85% of people incarcerated in California have a substance abuse problem. Over 30% of parolees are under supervision as a result of a drug conviction. Drug addiction is a leading cause of crime in California, with high prevalence among arrestees, prisoners and parolees.