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Addictions Recovery, Cognitive Restructuring and a Team Effort

NCJ Number
164062
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1996) Pages: 68,70
Author(s)
J Germain
Date Published
1996
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the components and outcome of a program at the Idaho State Correctional Institution that uses substance abuse education, therapy, cognitive restructuring, and cognitive skill building combined in a multidisciplinary team approach.
Abstract
The program relies heavily on cognitive restructuring sessions composed of offenders and staff. Inmate facilitators are required to participate in these in-house sessions. Inmates work together and with staff to identify "thinking errors" that interfere with their lives. They evaluate the attitudes, values, beliefs, and emotions that have led them into trouble in the past and learn new problemsolving and communication skills. Each individual is encouraged to take responsibility for his own thinking and behavior while helping other group members to do the same. Inmates in the program get fewer disciplinary reports. In the past 3 years, only five disciplinary offense reports of any kind have been issued to inmates working as facilitators in the program. Two facilitators lost their jobs after receiving reports, but they voluntarily re-entered treatment as participants. Five facilitators have been released. One has relapsed.