NCJ Number
225784
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 70 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2008 Pages: 74-77
Date Published
December 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This overview of Indiana’s treatment program for incarcerated methamphetamine abusers called CLIFF (Clean Living Is Freedom Forever) addresses participant characteristics, staffing, admission criteria, program components, and program effectiveness.
Abstract
CLIFF is part of a broader effort in Indiana to address the methamphetamine problem in the State. Methamphetamine is estimated to cost the State more than $100 million annually through societal impacts such as health care, the criminal justice system, and lost productivity. The number of adult offenders incarcerated in Indiana for dealing or possessing methamphetamine/cocaine increased by 34 percent from 2000 to 2004. Offenders who participate in the CLIFF units are identified as methamphetamine abusers who voluntarily choose to enter the program. The core part of the intensive treatment lasts approximately 6 to 9 months. Offenders remain in the CLIFF program after completing the core treatment component, continuing to participate in recovery activities and serving as mentors and senior members. The women’s CLIFF unit is structured the same as the men’s units; however, gender-specific treatment material is added to the program. The CLIFF units are designed as modified therapeutic communities, with treatment focusing on addictions and changes in criminal thinking and behavior. The staff engages offenders in up to 15 hours of therapeutic activities each day, 7 days a week. Activities include psycho-educational groups, process groups, methamphetamine addiction education, life-skills training, community meetings, support groups, and recreation activities. Participants must be substance abusers with a significant history of methamphetamine abuse; and they must be within 14 to 36 months from release. An evaluation of the recidivism rate of CLIFF graduates found it to be approximately half the rate of offenders who did not participate in the program and who were released in similar time frames. 7 notes