Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - A Research-Based Guide
- Principles
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Why do people involved in the criminal justice system continue abusing drugs?
- Why should drug abuse treatment be provided to offenders?
- How effective is drug abuse treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals?
- Are all drug abusers in the criminal justice system good candidates for treatment?
- Is legally mandated treatment effective?
- Are relapse risk factors different in offender populations? How should drug abuse treatment deal with these risk factors?
- What treatment and other health services should be provided to drug abusers involved with the criminal justice system?
- How long should drug abuse treatment last for individuals involved in the criminal justice system?
- How can rewards and sanctions be used effectively with drug-involved offenders in treatment?
- What is the role of medications in treating substance abusing offenders?
- How can the criminal justice and drug abuse treatment systems reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases among drug abusing offenders?
- What works for offenders with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders?
- Is providing drug abuse treatment to offenders worth the financial investment?
- What are the unique treatment needs for women in the criminal justice system?
- What are the unique treatment needs of juveniles in the criminal justice system?
- Resources
- References
How effective is drug abuse treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals?
Treatment is an effective intervention for drug abusers, including those who are involved with the criminal justice system. However, the effectiveness of drug treatment depends on both the individual and the program, and on whether interventions and treatment services are available and appropriate for the individual’s needs. To alter attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that support drug use, the drug abuser must engage in a therapeutic change process, which may include medications to help prevent relapse. Longitudinal outcome studies find that those who participate in community-based drug abuse treatment programs commit fewer crimes than those who do not participate (Prendergast et al. 2002; Butzin et al. 2006; and Kinlock et al. 2009).
This page was last updated January 2012.
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