Florida's Department of Corrections has initiated a major effort in the area of substance abuse treatment for inmates identified as having a history of substance abuse. This effort addresses the substance abuse treatment needs of inmates through a model encompassing a comprehensive battery of substance abuse treatment services. The service approach provides linkages between institutional and community resources. The goal is to establish a cost-effective continuum of care for incarcerated individuals, while providing the necessary linkages for transferring inmates back into society with the knowledge and social skills they need to lead a drug-free life. Substance abuse programs include assessment, a 35- to 40- hour educational program, an 8-week modified therapeutic community, a 1-year therapeutic community, and a 10-week outpatient drug treatment program at community correctional centers. The therapeutic community treatment regimen uses self-help and mutual-help approaches, peer pressure, and role modeling in a structured environment to achieve the recovery goal. Substance abuse services for Florida inmates are described, along with the Substance- Abusing Offender Treatment Information Network and treatment research and evaluation. 10 references