NCJ Number
89860
Date Published
1983
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Sweden's National Prison and Probation Administration has developed several programs to deal with the problem of drug abuse among prison inmates and probationers.
Abstract
The remand prisons in the nation's three largest cities established special treatment teams for drug misusers in the mid-1970's. About 18 percent of the total prison population are drug abusers who inject drugs. Prison authorities use urine testing and try to keep drug abusers separate from other prisoners. However, authorities believe that these approaches need supplementation with other, more positive measures. Accordingly, five prisons have special drug treatment wings, which are available to prisoners who agree to abstention from drugs and frequent monitoring by urine tests. Their programs emphasize the acceptance of personal and group responsibility, individual training in social life skills, and prepared contact with the world outside the prison. Inmate sojourns for treatment in private families are also permitted under Swedish law. Staff of regular prisons are also receiving intensive training in recognizing and dealing with behavior problems resulting from drug use. Treatment approaches for probationers include a social-medical organization within the probation services, family placements and treatment collectives, and programs to provide training in social skills. Research efforts are also underway. Five reference notes are listed.