NCJ Number
172118
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 77 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1997) Pages: 58-76
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Structured interviews with 128 alcoholic inmates of the Massachusetts State prison system were used to determine areas in which intervention with alcoholic inmates is needed.
Abstract
The 64 men and 64 women were randomly selected from correctional and treatment records that specified alcohol abuse as a problem. They were all under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections between May and October 1993. Measures included the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and Hare's Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). Results revealed several treatment issues and indicated that including these issues in the context of drug treatment would provide a more comprehensive approach to treating alcoholic offenders. The interventions should be directed at: (1) early intervention with at-risk young offenders; (2) issues of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma; (3) depression and the potential for suicide; (4) occupational skills; (5) education about safe sex; (6) violent behavior; and (7) diagnosis of psychological problems. Tables and 43 references (Author abstract modified)