During a 10-year period, July 1974-1984, demographic characteristics indicated close similarities between Ohio parolees and national parole statistics regarding age, race, and marital status. However, unemployment was found to be an unusually serious problem among Ohio parolees. In addition, a substance-abuse tendency further complicated the already disturbing plight of parolees. A high percentage of antisocial personality findings contributed to a high recidivism rate and an unusually large percentage of parolees were determined to be unamenable to conventional counseling.