NCJ Number
51862
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (1978) Pages: 127-132
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEM OF INMATE ALCOHOLISM IS DESCRIBED, AND A COMPULSORY PROGRAM USING ANTABUSE (DISULFIRAM) AND A COMPREHENSIVE ALCOHOLISM EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IS SUGGESTED FOR BOTH INMATES AND PAROLEES.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT AT THE REGIONAL PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE IN ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL WITHIN THE FEDERAL PENITENTIARY SYSTEM OF CANADA, 60 TO 80 PERCENT OF THE INMATES ARE EITHER ALCOHOLIC OR HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES THAT ARE ALCOHOL RELATED. THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL IS VIEWED AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR PERSONS WHOSE CONTROL OVER THEIR CONDUCT IS MARGINAL EVEN WHEN SOBER. TOTAL ABSTINENCE FROM THE USE OF ALCOHOL IS VIEWED AS AN IMPORTANT GOAL IN THE REHABILITATION OF ANY INMATE. A PROGRAM INSTITUTED BY THE AUTHOR AT THE COLORADO STATE HOSPITAL, ALCOHOLIC TREATMENT CENTRE, IS DESCRIBED. IN THIS PROGRAM, ANTABUSE (DISULFIRAM) WAS ADMINISTERED UNDER SUPERVISION TO BOTH INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS THREE TIMES A WEEK. OUTPATIENTS WERE THREATENED WITH THE LOSS OF THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE IF THEY DID NOT COME FOR THEIR ANATABUSE ON TIME. IT IS REPORTED THAT DRINKING PROBLEMS CEASED AMONG THOSE TREATED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT ANY INMATE LEAVING THE INSTITUTION, WHETHER ON PAROLE OR TEMPORARILY, BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ANTABUSE THREE TIMES WEEKLY UNDER A CAREFULLY CONTROLLED STRUCTURE. IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE ALCOHOLISM EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR INMATES BE INSTITUTED IN EVERY FEDERAL PENITENTIARY IN CANADA. IT WOULD CONSIST OF WEEKLY FILMS, LECTURES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND REGULAR GROUP DISCUSSIONS. ATTENDANCE WOULD BE COMPULSORY, WITH INCENTIVES SUPPLIED. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)