NCJ Number
137329
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 29-44
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Although prison-based drug treatment programs in the United States have existed for over 20 years, program effects on recidivism rates tend to be mixed.
Abstract
In 1986, 62 percent of American prisoners were regular drug users prior to their imprisonment. Further, the proportion of repeat offenders who are frequent drug users is increasing. Prison-based drug treatment in the United States started with the 1966 Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act (NARA) which allowed Federal judges to commit offenders to examination to determine whether they could be rehabilitated through drug treatment. Offenders were to be committed to a period of not more than 20 years or the maximum sentence which otherwise could have been imposed. The first NARA programs were started in 1968. In 1979, the National Institute on Drug Abuse surveyed prison drug treatment programs, and, of 414 State correctional institutions, 215 had some form of drug abuse treatment. Most treatment programs centered around various types of therapy (individual and group therapy and therapeutic communities). Prison-based drug treatment programs were again surveyed in 1985 to identify exemplary programs. Of 478 prisons sending back questionnaires, 20l programs were nominated as exemplary. Surveys and studies indicate that recidivism rates are lower for participants in prison-based drug treatment programs. Therefore, it is likely that such programs will continue to increase in size and scope. Specific drug treatment and postrelease treatment programs are evaluated. 54 references and 2 tables