The Effect of Drug Treatment on Inmate Misconduct in Federal Prisons

Abstract

This paper employs a large sample to empirically evaluate the Federal Bureau of Prisons' substance abuse treatment program's effectiveness in reducing prisoner misconduct. Results show that program graduates are 74 percent less likely to engage in misconduct over a 14-month period than a comparison group. This benefit is shared by male and female inmates alike. The substantial magnitude of the effect shows that prison-based substance abuse treatment programs provide an effective management tool to correctional administrators.

Workplace violence in correctional institutions in Taiwan: A study of correctional officers' perceptions

“…Studies show that workplace victimization and fearfulness not only contribute to an increased risk of injury, impaired delivery of services, physical and emotional problems, and loss of privileges for inmates (Langan & Pelissier, 2001;Liebling & Maruna, 2005;Wooldredge, 1997), but also increase the physical and emotional repercussions for correctional officers (Cullen, Latessa, Burton, & Lombardo, 1993;Dennis, 1998). As a result, many correctional officers would like to resign from their correctional careers (Rugala & Isaacs, 2002).…”

Violent and disruptive behavior among drug‐involved prisoners: Relationship with psychiatric symptoms

“…Participation in prison-based addiction treatment appears to decrease, but not eliminate, disciplinary problems (Langan & Pelissier, 2001;Welsh, McGain, Salamatin, & Zajac, 2007). Several studies have identified risk factors for disruptive behavior in prison-based substance abuse treatment programs, including younger age, more serious prior offenses, prior misconducts, and more months in prison after treatment completion (Langan & Pelissier, 2001;Welsh et al, 2007).…”

Offender Rehabilitation: Examining Changes in Inmate Treatment Characteristics, Program Participation, and Institutional Behavior

“…There is a growing body of research which suggests that the association between inmate characteristics and inmate misconduct can be mediated by program participation (French & Gendreau, 2006;Langan & Pelissier, 2002;Maguire, 1992;Prendergast, Farabee, & Cartier, 2001;Welsh, McGrain, Salamatin, & Zajac, 2008). Langan and Pelissier (2002) compared inmate misconduct among federal inmates who completed a residential drug and alcohol program to inmates who admitted to a history of substance abuse and did not participate in the program.…”

“…Langan and Pelissier (2002) compared inmate misconduct among federal inmates who completed a residential drug and alcohol program to inmates who admitted to a history of substance abuse and did not participate in the program. Results showed that inmates who graduated from the treatment program had a significant reduction in disciplinary infractions compared to nongraduates.…”

“…218 in 1991, .229 in 1997, and .223 in 2004 among inmates. Interestingly, since younger inmates were also more likely to attend some treatment programs, their participation might ultimately mediate some of these behavioral problems (French & Gendreau, 2006;Langan & Pelissier, 2002;Maguire, 1992;Prendergast et al, 2001;Welsh et al, 2008).…”