Budget problems forcing prisons to cut counseling

By JEFF CARLTON and NIGEL DUARA Associated Press Writers

DALLAS (AP) - In-prison treatment programs are facing budget cuts that could make it difficult for inmates with substance abuse problems to receive counseling.

States including Kansas and Pennsylvania have reduced in-prison treatment programs that often are required as a condition of parole. Experts say some offenders may serve more of their prison sentences and never receive treatment.

In Texas, officials have proposed slashing more than $23 million from in-prison treatment programs.

Studies show offenders with substance abuse problems are more likely to return to prison without treatment. Yet the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse says only 11 percent of the nation's inmates with substance abuse problems receive treatment during incarceration.