Before considering the structure and mechanics of establishing substance abuse programs in boot camps, those starting such programs should identify program goals and specify the underlying theoretical perspective to be used in explaining the offender's criminal and substance abuse behavior. A professional evaluation of the need for treatment is an important first step in developing drug treatment programs. The placement of boot camp participants into drug treatment programs should be driven by clinical assessments rather than by legal or policy mandates. Further, a treatment plan should be developed in which the type of treatment received by offenders is based on an assessment of their individual substance abuse problems. Due to the variety of substance abuse problems that are likely to be encountered in boot camp offenders, multimodal program approaches are recommended. Pragmatic, skill-building approaches such as the 12-step model, reality therapy, and stress management are popular boot camp therapeutic interventions, but such interventions should be selected only after considering the nature of substance abuse problems likely to be encountered and conditions under which treatment will be provided. Those charged with developing boot camp drug treatment programs are strongly urged to consider the therapeutic community approach. Substance abuse education programs should be offered in boot camps, but these programs should not take the place of therapeutic interventions. Planning for release should be integrated into the boot camp early in the sentence. Three major components of the boot camp sanction (institutional programming, community reintegration, and maintenance of long-term positive behaviors) should be viewed as an integrated continuum. 9 references, 2 notes, and 1 table