NCJ Number
152195
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The Hitchcock Center for Women in Cleveland, Ohio, offers treatment services for drug-abusing inmates; over 600 women addicted to alcohol and other drugs were treated between 1979 and 1990.
Abstract
Client ages range from 18 to 70 years, with the median age range between 25 and 40. In fiscal year 1992-1993, 83 percent of clients were black, 16 percent were white, and 1 percent were Hispanic. The primary drug of abuse was crack cocaine (57 percent), followed by alcohol (35 percent). Of all program admissions, 98 percent were medically indigent, 79 percent were children of alcoholics or drug abusers, 13 percent were intravenous drug users, 12 percent were homeless, 5 percent were pregnant addicted women, and 4 percent were physically challenged. The Hitchcock Center is designed to help women remain sober and to provide a safe environment for personal, social, and spiritual growth. Clients also learn vocational skills necessary for sustained independence. Center services combine therapeutic community, gender-specific, relapse prevention, and behavior modification programs with a strong foundation in 12-step philosophy and spiritual development. Treatment lasts 28 days and accommodates up to 120 women. Program services include medical, psychosocial, life skills, case management, case coordination, and family services. Services are provided using such techniques as group and individual counseling, psychoeducation, 12-step meetings, relapse prevention sessions, unstructured recreation activities, spirituality and meditation practices, and family education. Additional services focus on prerelease and aftercare planning. The program is sensitive to gender issues, uses recovering staff as role models, and offers peer support.