Corrections-Based Drug Treatment Programs and Crime Prevention: An International Approach

• NCJ Number: 228746
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 48 Issue: 7 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 620-634
• Author(s): Cassandra L. Reyes
• Date Published: October 2009
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description; Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study reviews nine international research studies on corrections-based substance abuse treatment programs published in peer-reviewed journals since 2002, so as to determine whether they do or do not work, or are promising.

Abstract

The research examined produced mixed results. Although four out of the nine corrections-based substance abuse treatment programs had a favorable impact on recidivism rates this was not an unequivocal conclusion. Even with mixed results, there is apparently some value in corrections-based substance abuse treatment programs that warrants further research. These programs hold some potential for the reduction and/or prevention of crime especially the Turley et al. (2004) study. The Turley study indicates that when the treatment received within the correctional system provides both individual and group counseling, coupled with follow-up aftercare, the impact of a person's substance abuse on his/her criminal behavior can be reduced. Given the high percentage of inmates who used drugs at the time of their offenses, substance abuse treatment within correctional settings should receive a high priority for development, implementation, and evaluation. The nine studies reviewed were conducted in the United States, Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and Scotland. There was no apparent difference among the countries regarding whether or not the programs achieved the prevention of crime or drug use. This suggests that similar industrialized countries could expect similar results from the same kinds of drug treatment programs. In addition to the review of the research on the nine programs, this article presents a brief overview of the nature and extent of drug offending among inmates in the United States. This is followed by a theoretical explanation of drug usage within the correctional environment, accompanied by a supportive legal ruling. 23 references and appended table of results of the evaluations of the 9 corrections-based substance treatment programs