The research focused on all Federal, State, and local shock incarceration programs for adult offenders in fall 1992. Information came from a literature review; multilevel mail and telephone surveys of programs; and site visits to three facilities. Results indicated a fairly high level of support across all levels of the correctional system for programs aimed at changing youthful offenders' behavior. Program goals seem to promote a rehabilitative orientation consistent with what has been termed second-generation boot camps. However, delivering effective drug treatment is hindered by many factors, including statutory and policy mandates that preclude matching individual needs with available treatment; competing operational objectives; a surprising lack of use of therapeutic community approaches; and lack of treatment continuity through postrelease aftercare. Many problems associated with providing drug treatment to boot camp inmates result from the incomplete implementation of the treatment approaches. To overcome this problem, program designers should focus on individual treatment needs, program congruity, and the continuity of boot camp programs from incarceration through postrelease aftercare. Tables, charts, appended table and survey instruments, and 81 references