NCJ Number
149632
Date Published
1993
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This is the second of a two-part report that examines the patterns of inmate drug use as well as the effectiveness of Drug and Alcohol Services in relation to reaching and treating inmates with drug problems.
Abstract
The sample consisted of 175 inmates about to be released during June 1992. Of those who had used alcohol and drugs in the 6 months prior to their imprisonment, 94 percent were aware of the availability of the Drug and Alcohol Service in correctional centers. Of the total sample, 33 percent had used the service during their current sentence, and 13 percent had used the service at more than one correctional center. Of those who used the service, 81 percent received counseling more than any other form of treatment. This was followed by group programs (48 percent), Alcoholics Anonymous (36 percent), Narcotics Anonymous (21 percent), inmate support group (12 percent), and Unicomb House (a separate residential unit that has since closed) (7 percent). The majority of inmates who used the service perceived it to be either "very helpful" or "quite helpful" across all forms of treatment. The majority of those who did not use the service (excluding those who reported they did not have a drug-alcohol problem) thought it was not important for them to receive treatment while in prison (61 percent). Information is also provided on survey findings on plans for receiving drug services after release. Based on the survey findings, recommendations are offered for improving inmate drug and alcohol treatment. 24 tables and 44 references