NCJ Number
66450
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A STUDY EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF COUNSELING ON FEMALE DRUG ADDICTS IN WORK/STUDY RELEASE IS SUMMARIZED.
Abstract
THE COUNSELING PROGRAM WAS OBLIGATORY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORK/STUDY RELEASE ON THE WOMEN'S DRUG ABUSE UNIT. THE PERIOD UNDER STUDY (APRIL 1977 TO OCTOBER 1977) WAS COMPARED TO THE RECORDS OF AN EARLIER PERIOD (DECEMBER 1976 THROUGH MARCH 1977) WHEN THE COUNSELING PROGRAM DID NOT EXIST. THE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS INDICATED THAT, DURING THE STUDY PERIOD, ONLY 8.5 PERCENT OF THE WORK/STUDY POPULATION WAS REMOVED FROM THE PROGRAM FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS EACH MONTH AS COMPARED TO 15.6 PERCENT IN THE EARLIER PERIOD. ALTHOUGH THIS RESULT ARGUES FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM, IT DOES NOT POSSESS STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE (X2=5.6, DF=1, P<.5)--WHICH MAY BE OWING TO, IN PART, THE SMALLNESS OF THE SAMPLE POPULATIONS (10 PERSONS EACH) AND THE SHORTNESS OF THE PERIODS STUDIED. THE NINE PERSONS OF THE WORK/STUDY GROUP WHO COMPLETED THE PROGRAM MENTIONED--AMONG OTHERS--THE BENEFITS OF THE COUNSELING PROGRAM IN EXIT INTERVIEWS: (1) OPPORTUNITY TO VENTILATE FRUSTRATIONS, (2) A WARNING OF PROBLEMS THEY WOULD ENCOUNTER, AND (3) ADDITIONAL CONTACT WITH THE STAFF. DRAWBACKS MENTIONED IN THE INTERVIEWS INCLUDED THAT (1) COUNSELING PERIODS WERE 'BITCH SESSIONS,' (2) ADEQUATE TRUST WAS LACKING, AND (3) PROBLEMS WERE NOT TAKEN TO HIGHER AUTHORITIES WHO COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT INCLUDED: (1) DEVELOPING A TRUST LEVEL, (2) ALLOWING MORE DISCUSSION OF PERSONAL PROBLEMS, AND (3) HAVING MORE DIRECT LEADERSHIP. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE COUNSELING PROGRAM SHOULD BE CONTINUED BUT NEEDS CONSTANT CAREFUL MONITORING. THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS PUT TO THE SAMPLE POPULATION ARE APPENDED. (SAJ)