The study found that natural recovery occurred over time during abstinence from drug and alcohol consumption. Compared to inmates who had been abstinent up to 6 months, those who had been abstinent between 6 and 24 months showed a higher sense of coherence and meaning in life, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and better behavior. One possible explanation of these findings is that the behavioral and emotional changes that occurred among inmates who were abstinent for 6 to 24 months were linked to the duration of abstinence. This would indicate that achieving abstinence for an extended period is directly linked to mental and behavioral changes that not only fuel addiction but also are related to criminal behaviors. Suggestions are offered for future related research. Ninety-eight abstinent inmates were divided into 2 groups. Group one was composed of inmates who had been abstinent up to 6 months. Group two consisted of inmates who had been abstinent between 6 and 24 months. Participants were administered Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Buss-Durkee Inventory. These instruments measure perceptions that life is capable of being managed and controlled according to rational goals; anxiety; depression; hostility; and behaviors related to employment and social adaptation, obedience, and drug abuse. 6 tables and 51 references