Drug treatment for Federal inmates began in the 1930's. In 1966, Congress enacted a Federal civil commitment program modeled after the California and New York programs. Another milestone in the area of linking drug treatment with the criminal justice system is Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC), which implemented a case management approach in 128 communities. Recent data support previous findings indicating that a high proportion of arrestees and inmates regularly use drugs other than alcohol. Several opportunities exist for improving the role of the criminal justice system to enhance drug treatment. The criminal justice system provides a setting for identifying persons needing drug treatment. In addition, probation and parole can use drug testing, treatment exposures, and incarceration as well as other court sanctions to keep drug abusers in treatment and reduce drug use. Moreover, a working relationship with criminal justice agencies can enhance treatment. Furthermore, civil commitment can reduce intravenous drug abuse, although it should not be considered a panacea. Finally, court referral to drug treatment generally increases retention in treatment, and linking drug treatment and the criminal justice system can help disrupt the addiction life cycle and decrease drug abuse. 36 references