NCJ Number
125213
Date Published
1989
Length
66 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of a self-contained inmate drug treatment program in Massachusetts was evaluated using data from inmates who completed the program, substance abusers from the same prison who did not take part in the program, inmates who left the program before completing it, and inmates who applied but were not accepted into the program.
Abstract
The Program Unit for Substance Abusers was opened in March 1984 at MCI-Cedar Junction, the State's maximum security facility in Walpole. The evaluation used data on all inmates who entered the program between October 1984 and December 1985, on 1985 applicants, and on other inmates in the institution on January 1, 1985. About 50 inmates were in each sample. Information was gathered for the year before entry into the program for the year following the program. Results showed that participation in the program did not appear to ensure either less substance abuse or clear improvements in institutional behavior as indicated by disciplinary reports. Results also called into question the effectiveness of treatment and screening criteria in the program unit. Discussion of program and policy implications, tables, and 32 references.