Establishment Different Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs in Prisons
Opioid dependency and violence among imprisoned prisoners have been steadily increasing over the last decade. Despite the expansion, jails have been unable to keep up, resulting in many unattended drug and alcohol abuse incidents. As a result, the aggressive state and federal governments have taken steps to implement policies that would greatly minimize drug abuse in jails. However, such interventions have not been effective in completely resolving drug and alcohol addiction in prisons.
Types of Substance Abuse Programs
There are various types of programs available; each one has high or low effectiveness level and suits different patients. Such programs include drug education and counseling, client-initiated and maintained services, incarceration with or without specialized services as well as the highly effective and intensive residential treatment. According to previous studies done, residential therapeutic communities demonstrate a positive correlation between positive outcome and the treatment (De Leon 1989). Other programs which could be used include cornerstone and Stay'n out program. With proper implementation, availability of funding and staff, the strategies could be implemented fully in order to increase their positive impact. This will go a long way in ensuring transformation in the prisons along with recovery from drug and substance abuse.
Conclusion
According to WHO (2003), prisoners were members of the society before being jailed; upon release, they will become members again so they have an impact on the society. Hence, they should be considered a priority in order to have a well-integrated community.
References
De Leon, G. "Therapeutic Community Research Facts: What We Know." Paper presented at the What Works Conference, New York, October 25-27, 1989.
WHO Health in Prisons Project (2003). Declaration. Prison health as part of public health, Moscow, 24th October 2003. London, WHO Health in Prisons Project.
