NCJ Number
198600
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 37 Issue: 8-10 Dated: June - August 2002 Pages: 1035-1045
Date Published
June 2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the Kowhai Alcohol and Drug Treatment Unit at Rolleston Prison, New Zealand.
Abstract
The primary aim of the program is to reduce recidivism. Inmates are helped to recognize the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are present in the period preceding and/or during criminal activity, particularly activity precipitated and/or maintained by alcohol and drug use. This insight, coupled with learning specific coping skills and intensive lifestyle and reintegration planning, leads naturally to the follow-up phase that is conducted in the community. The functional relationship between offending and substance use is far more explicitly addressed in this program compared with past programs that focused more on substance use. This intensive prison-based program is followed on release by attendance at community-based relapse prevention groups, often as conditions for early release. The article claims it is too early to say how effective the program is, for which offenders the program is best (or not) suited, and under what conditions pro-social learning is enhanced. References