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Effect of Drug Treatment on Inmate Misconduct in Federal Prisons

NCJ Number
196309
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 21-30
Author(s)
Neal P. Langan; Bernadette M. M. Pelissier
Date Published
2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper used a large sample to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' substance abuse treatment program in reducing prisoner misconduct.
Abstract
Program graduates had a significant reduction in misconduct when compared with prisoners who did not participate in the program. In the period between graduation from the program and release from prison-- averaging 14 months--program graduates were 74 percent less likely to engage in misconduct than a comparison group, a benefit realized by both men and women. The paper observes that examination of a program directed at a population of substance abusers speaks to contemporary concerns about the role of treatment in addressing America's serious drug problem. Findings show that rehabilitation need not be limited to juveniles or first offenders but is also tenable for a population of adult offenders. The paper strongly suggests that the correctional community look to the potential benefits of a well designed and implemented drug treatment program. Tables, references