NCJ Number
137196
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 52- 55
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The comprehensive inmate drug treatment unit established at the Federal Correctional Institution at Fairton, N.J. was the first to be developed in the Northeast Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and includes the components believed to be essential for effective prison- based drug treatment.
Abstract
The main components of the CHOICE program are a philosophy consisting of responsibility, choice, cognition, and education and rejecting the disease concept of drug abuse; the use of holistic program modules that address lifestyle issues and not just drug abuse; programming that reflects each participant's individual needs; the unit management concept; and organizational support throughout the institution. After a mandatory introduction to drug and criminal lifestyle issues, inmates enter one of two main tracks (criminal lifestyle or drug lifestyle), based on a continuing assessment of their characteristics and needs. Inmates can choose from seven different activities in fulfilling their obligation to take responsibility for their behavior. Other programs should also consider including these components. Photographs