More than two-thirds of Americans believe heroin addicts should be placed in treatment instead of prison according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.
The survey also found that 63 percent of adults say states moving away from mandatory sentencing for non-violent drug offenders is a "good thing," in comparison to the 32 percent that believe it is a "bad thing."
The new numbers come as lawmakers go back and forth with ways to deal with drugs in America, especially as marijuana becomes legalized in several states. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder made statements supporting treatment resources for drug offenders instead of prison time as well.
Last month, Pew released a study demonstrating 54 percent of Americans believe pot should be legalized, compared to a study conducted in 2010 that essentially had the same amount opposing legalization.
While the amount of Americans supporting more liberal drug policies are increasing, many people are still weary of effects that may result from new laws. In February, a Quinnipiac poll found a majority of Colorado residents believe the new marijuana law is damaging the state's image.
The numbers show 51 percent of Colorado voters believe legalization is negatively affecting the state's image, while 38 percent disagree and 10 percent are unsure.
The new law, enacted on January 1, allows residents to sell marijuana and grow up to a dozen plants in their home. In the poll, more than seven in 10 participants said they wouldn't mind if a neighbor was growing it in their house.
