NCJ Number
156634
Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association Volume: 222 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 6, 1972) Pages: 686-689
Date Published
1972
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study compared arrest rates for a sample of 254 drug addicts who had dropped out of Phoenix House, the largest therapeutic community for drug-free treatment and rehabilitation of former heroin addicts in the country, and 104 addicts who were in the final stages of the program.
Abstract
The group of dropouts represented different lengths of stay in the program; arrest data were obtained for the year prior to and the year following their residence. The results showed that, even for program dropouts, postprogram arrests remained low compared to their preprogram level. The data revealed a direct correlation between time spent in the program and the degree to which arrest rates decreased. Several aspects of the data are consistent with the theory that the modification of addicts' criminal behavior can be attributed to their being socialized while in the Phoenix program. 2 figures, 1 table, and 3 references