NCJ Number
163040
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The first specialized residential treatment program for inmates with addictions was introduced in Great Britain by the Addictive Diseases Trust (ADT) at HMP Downview in April 1992; this report summarizes the results of a preliminary evaluation of this program.
Abstract
The ADT program consists of 12 steps that can be divided into three broad stages of therapeutic activity. In a preparation stage the inmate is forced to recognize the full extent of his own powerlessness over his addiction. In the action stage and detailed inventory of the inmate's personal defects is developed; this is then shared and analyzed with the group and peer counselor. The consolidation stage occurs after the inmate has completed the course and integrates the action component into a routine for daily living. The main aims of the evaluation were to describe the program, document any evidence of its short-term effects, provide quantitative data, and identify the key criteria necessary for the ADT program to work in harmony with a prison. The findings show that the majority of those who completed the program said they had not used any drugs or alcohol, and this was supported by a review of the results from random drug testing. There was evidence that the program influenced inmate attitudes and behavior in more general ways, such as by improving relationships with staff, other inmates, and families, as well as attitudes toward crime and offending behavior. Recommendations for improving the program are offered. One recommendation is that treatment programs be tailored to the needs of different client groups; those who view their drug habit as a recreational choice will need a different program than those who want to rid themselves of a long-standing habit.