U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Progress in Prison Substance Abuse Treatment: A Five Year Report

NCJ Number
153143
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 24 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Winter/Spring 1994) Pages: 349-360
Author(s)
H K Wexler
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article describes progress in inmate substance abuse treatment over the last 5 years, along with a brief review of correctional substance abuse treatment approaches and recommendations for the future.
Abstract
Based on the available scientific evidence, drug treatment in correctional settings can curb recidivism when the programs have certain proven features. Some of the features are a clear and consistent treatment philosophy, an atmosphere of empathy and safety, the recruitment and maintenance of qualified treatment staff, clear rules of conduct, and the use of ex-offenders and ex-addicts as role models and staff members. Other important program features are the provision of relapse prevention; continuity of care throughout custody and upon release; the inclusion of treatment evaluations in program design; and the maintenance of treatment program integrity, autonomy, flexibility, and openness. The two major approaches to correctional substance abuse treatment are the self-help movement and the cognitive behavioral model. Various formats for these approaches are described in this article. Thirteen recommendations for improving correctional substance abuse treatment are provided. They pertain to mission, accountability, resources, management, consensus, sentencing, public relations, and program expansion. 21 references