NCJ Number
138623
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In the face of real-world constraints and limitations, the development of inmate drug abuse treatment programs must include evaluation designs that allow for methodologically adequate assessment of effectiveness and analysis of process.
Abstract
Whether or not drug abuse treatment programs for inmates produce lasting change is an issue that has been debated, but never satisfactorily answered, although there are multiple examples of correctional programs that attract incarcerated clients into drug abuse treatment. The development of viable and evaluable drug treatment programs is a major challenge to those charged with the responsibility for treating dug abusing inmates. There are several problems that confront advocates for such programs. A program, once implemented, must be given a fair chance to succeed or fail; this assumes adequate and sustained funding as well as adequate institutional support over time. Evaluation designs must also be supported by realistic projections of available subjects. Additionally, a program must have a continuing commitment to the integrity of better programming and evaluation design, as well as the practical requirements of continuous monitoring of the evaluation, so as to resolve problems in a timely manner. There are signs of new beginnings in the history of drug abuse treatment in the United States, as various studies have undertaken frank assessments of the current state of knowledge and the most promising directions in treatment programming as indicated by the weight of clinical experience. This new beginning must be accompanied by a commitment to drug abuse treatment as an essential element in inmate rehabilitation. 9 references