An Evaluation of a Short-Term Drug Treatment for Jail Inmates

Abstract

A total of 70 jail inmates who participated in an intensive, short-term drug treatment program were compared with a matched group of 70 jail inmates who did not participate in the program. Survival analysis was used to estimate the hazard of recidivism during 14 months following release from jail. The hazard ratio was significantly lower for the treatment than control group, and an analysis using propensity scores confirmed these results. Only 27% of the treatment participants were returned to jail or prison for more than 30 days, compared with 46% of the matched control group. According to qualitative responses from the participants, the program helped inmates recognize the consequences of their behavior and change their perspective. The results indicate that an intensive, short-term drug treatment program can be implemented within jails and might be a useful tool to help offenders prepare for reentry and reduce their risk of recidivism.

Treatment outcomes of drug users in probation period: three months follow-up

“…The rate of leaving treatment by patients in the scope of probation is also very high [12,13]. There exist studies which assert that structured, wellapplied treatment programmes with continuity have positive effects on the substance use of substance users on probation [14][15][16].…”

Therapeutic Community Treatment of an Inmate Population with Substance Use Disorders: Post-Release Trends in Re-Arrest, Re-Incarceration, and Drug Misuse Relapse

“…For instance, over half of the inmates in state prisons in the USA reported experiencing symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis of substance or drug misuse or dependence [ 3 ]. Once inmates are released from prison they are often likely to continue their involvement in drug use in the absence of support, and those who do are more likely to be re-arrested following release from prison than non-drug misusing peers [ 4 , 5 ]. Community oriented interventions that break this cycle and treat substance use disorders would lead to lower incidences of reoffending, re-arrest, re-incarceration, and drug misuse [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Rehabilitation Programs for Incarcerated Drug Offenders in Malaysia: Experience-Based Perspectives on Reintegration and Recidivism

“…In addition, Bahr et al (2012) find reduced drug use associated with those who had undergone “pharmacological treatments” and among “individuals whose treatment was followed by an aftercare program” (p. 155). Subsequently, Bahr et al (2013) identified features of effective treatment programs. These include (a) high intensity treatment, that is, time a participant receives the program, (b) interactive programs that focus on skill building according to offenders’ needs, (c) the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, (d) a structured program curriculum, (e) multiple treatment modalities (e.g., programs that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling, group counseling, etc.…”