This article highlights the history of that relationship and provides information on the number of drug abusers who come into contact with community corrections. Through use of court authority and compulsory drug abuse treatment, community corrections could play a positive role in reducing drug abuse. The author suggests five ways in which community corrections could be improved: (1) community corrections could identify drug abusers and refer them to drug abuse treatment, (2) closer supervision could be given to drug abusers, (3) ties with the drug abuse community could be enhanced, (4) treatment for intravenous drug users could be mandatory, and (5) case management relationships with drug abuse treatment providers could be enhanced. The author also notes that community corrections involvement generally increases the length of time drug abusers remain in treatment. 11 references