Rehabilitation: Contrasting Cultural Perspectives and the Imposition of Church and State

• NCJ Number: 132271
• Journal: Journal of Prisoners on Prisons Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 3-28
• Author(s): L R Reed
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 26 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Focusing on the use of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) as the primary methods of substance abuse treatment in prisons, this article argues that the American correctional system is actually based on Judeo- Christian concepts and therefore violates the constitutional Church-State prohibition.

Abstract

The author maintains that the concepts, philosophy, and principles of A.A. and N.A. which, among other things, require a belief in a Supreme Power, are inimicable to Native Americans, though the programs may be suitable for many other cultures. In addition, because participation in these programs is usually rewarded with good-time credit toward parole eligibility, the author claims that "coerced" participation in the program is morally and legally wrong. Good time credit should also be awarded to Native American prisoners who participate in programs such as the Red Road Approach to Recovery or the United Native Alcohol Program. 11 notes and 63 references