NCJ Number
29800
Date Published
1975
Length
39 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE NARCONON PROGRAM AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN TWO DELAWARE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND DETAILS THE PROJECT'S PERFORMANCE AND ITS IMPACT AS ASCERTAINED IN AN AUGUST 1975 FOLLOW-UP STUDY.
Abstract
NARCONON IS A NATIONAL, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES A PRE-PACKAGED DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAM WHICH TREATS THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF DRUG ABUSE AND THUS REDUCES CRIME. THE NARCONON APPROACH IS TO UTILIZE A SERIES OF DRILLS, CALLED TRAINING ROUTINES (TR'S) IN AN ATTEMPT TO INSTILL DESIRED BEHAVIORAL TRAITS WITHIN THE PARTICIPANT AND ELIMINATE THOSE NEGATIVE BEHAVIORAL TRAITS WHICH STIMULATE DRUG USAGE (E.G. LACK OF COMMUNICATION ABILITIES AND SELF-DISCIPLINE). THE MORE TRADITIONAL APPROACHES TO DRUG THERAPY, E.G., INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP COUNSELING, RAP SESSIONS, ETC. ARE SELDOM IF EVER EMPLOYED. THE STUDY FINDINGS HERE REPORTED PERTAIN TO PROJECT ENROLLMENT, CLASS ATTENDANCE, SELECTION CRITERIA, PROJECT COORDINATION, INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM, AND DRUG RECIDIVISM AFTER PROGRAM PARTICIPATION. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT BY RE-FOCUSING THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES ONTO A SPECIFIC TARGET POPULATION, CONDUCTING A VIGOROUS ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN, AND EMPHASIZING ENROLLMENT OF INMATES WHO ARE WITHIN THREE YEARS OF PAROLE ELIGIBILITY OR RELEASE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)