1624                            JOINT RESOLUTIONS

No. 53

(House Joint Resolution 76)

House Joint Resolution requesting the Governor to have a committee
investigate (1) the feasibility of establishing neighborhood cor-
rective centers to combat the problem of drug and narcotic addic-
tion and (2) the use of methadone in the treatment of addicts.

The damage to individuals, homes, and society from addiction to
drugs and narcotics has become a factor of major concern. The
seriousness of the problem has been recognized by religious, educa-
tional, civic, medical, legal and law enforcement organizations.
Baltimore alone has an estimated 1,200 addicts and ranks 7th
among the 10 leading cities in narcotic users. The number of users
under age 21 had increased 11% on a national level during the first
half of 1967.

Addiction to narcotics is at the heart of the crime problem in
Maryland. It is estimated that narcotics addicts are responsible for
more than one half of the crimes committed in areas of Baltimore
City and their evil contagion is spreading into the suburbs. Crime
and its threat to the personal safety of our citizens is a prime
concern to the people of this State.

The Maryland Commission To Study Problems of Drug Addiction
established by Governor Tawes suggested in its 1966 report that
there be an attack on two fronts: (1) preventive services through
education and control and (2) treatment for the addicts.

Man Alive, Adult Challenge and SAND are three programs cur-
rently fighting the problem. Man Alive is a private program treating
200 addicts by gradually weaning them from heroin through the use
of methadone. Adult Challenge stresses cooperation between adults
and teenagers to remove causes of need for drugs through guidance,
therapy and counseling along with the use of methadone. SAND
is an organization which attempts to counsel and assist addicts when
they leave prison.

Dr. Emmett Davis has been successful in using methadone, a
synthetic narcotic. This drug is relatively inexpensive and is effec-
tive in keeping addicts away from heroin. New York scientists have
reported an 89% success rate with this technique.

An investigation into the success of the current programs with the
idea of determining the feasibility of expanding such programs
throughout the State in areas of high addiction and a detailed study
of the methadone treatment can help direct us on a meaningful
Statewide approach to this problem; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Governor
is requested to have a committee investigate (1) the feasibility of
establishing neighborhood corrective centers to combat the drug and
narcotic problem throughout the State in areas of high addiction
and (2) the use of methadone treatment on a Statewide level; and
be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor
of Maryland.

Approved May 7, 1968.