According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, billions of dollars annually are spent on inmates with a history of drug- and alcohol-related violations. Substance use is linked to criminal offenses in a variety of ways, and incarcerated individuals with the chance of parole are best served by a justice system that offers treatment programs during custody. According to Sober Place, the justice system may not have the resources necessary to treat all individuals with alcohol problems. Programs do exist, however, that can benefit inmates in early recovery before their release.
Therapeutic Communities
The justice system offers a program called a therapeutic community, or TC, for inmates. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that TC programs have existed for 40 years and focus on accountability for choices and peer support. This treatment model also includes group processes that build social skills. TCs are monitored by trained counselors but facilitated by veteran inmates. Treatment consists of learning modules that focus on understanding addiction and exploring social and emotional triggers for substance use. The treatment modules also help inmates build skills for being successful in the community without resorting to alcohol use. NIDA reports that inmates who participate in TCs have a lower rate of recidivism and reduced alcohol use.
Counseling
Counseling for alcohol abuse is offered in the justice system. Sober Place indicates that cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the primary method used for treating inmates with alcoholism. According to Drs. Richard Longabaugh and Jon Morgenstern, CBT is among the most effective approaches for treatment. It involves teaching inmates how their maladaptive patterns have developed and can be unlearned by changing thoughts and behaviors. Interventions include education about thinking patterns and how these lead to actions. CBT also includes homework to help inmates practice the skills introduced in the sessions.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Some prisons use the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support program for inmates. This program is typically a supplement to counseling or a TC. The principles of AA are the same in the corrections system as they are in the community. AA is a peer-focused, 12-step support group in which individuals use workbooks to complete progressive steps. Inmates have peer sponsors as well as a professional committee to turn to for support.
References
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Criminal Justice Fact Sheet
- Sober Place: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Within the Justice System
- Bureau of Justice Assistance: BJA Programs
- "Alcohol Research and Health"; Cognitive-Behavioral Coping-Skills Therapy for Alcohol Dependence: Current Status and Future Directions; Richard Longabaugh, Ed.D. and Jon Morgenstern, Ph.D.; 1999
- "A.A. Guidelines: Corrections Committees"; Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office; October 2009
