Meta-Analytic Review of the Effectiveness of Corrections-Based Treatments for Drug Abuse

• NCJ Number: 180317
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: 79 Issue: 4 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 384-410
• Author(s): Frank S. Pearson; Douglas S. Lipton
• Editor(s): Alan T. Harland
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 27 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01 DA08607
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Correctional Drug Abuse Treatment Effectiveness project obtained and coded evaluation research studies, unpublished as well as published, of treatment and intervention programs reported from 1968 to 1996.

Abstract

Meta-analysis was used to examine evidence of treatment effectiveness in reducing recidivism for incarcerated offenders who were drug abusers. Results supported the effectiveness of therapeutic community programs but not of boot camps and drug-focused group counseling. Evaluations of other interventions were based on too few studies to draw strong conclusions, but promising treatments were identified that warrant further attention. These treatments include the use of methadone maintenance treatment, drug abuse education, 12-step programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy for offender populations. 30 references, 10 notes, and 8 tables