Prison Addiction Treatment - Research Paper Example

? Prison Addiction Treatment Affiliation with more information about affiliation, research grants, conflict of interest and how to contact Prison Addiction Treatment Addiction is a social evil, which potentially damages personal and social life of the addicted individuals. The behavior of addicts and their psycho social attributes contribute to increasing the vulnerability to addiction. Prisoners, due to their criminal tendencies, are more vulnerable for addiction and they have higher risks considering their psychosocial and behavioral ascriptions. Correctional Association of New York finds that many individuals who received imprisonment come from urban communities, which are the pockets of poverty, unemployment, crime and substance use. This enhances the possibilities for these prisoners to get addicted and the prisoners generally are the victims of drug addiction as well. The New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) reports about 83% of people comprising the prison population, or nearly 47,850 among the 57,650 prisoners have to necessarily be given treatment with regard to substance abuse (Treatment Behind Bars: Substance Abuse Treatment in New York Prisons, 2011, p.3) Studies also suggest racial identity as a leading factor that influences drug addiction as well crimes and evidence also point out the possibility of African Americans to indulge more in crimes as well as drug habits than the Americans (Delisi & Regoli, 1999, 549). The US Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that about 23,7000 prisoners sentenced to jail in 2010 were indulged with illegal drugs as well as other substance abuse. The report also revealed that prisoners constituted of 29.3% of non-Hispanic white, 44.6% who were non- Hispanic black as well as 20.2 % that belonged to Hispanic tribe. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People asserts that in the year 2008, the people convicted to jail increased to 2.3 million, from the earlier 500,000 in 2008 (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013). They also speak about the racial differences. As per the NAACP, African Americans are at higher risk than the American people at being discriminated. The rate of African Americans who are admitted to prisons is about six more than that of Whites and they constitute up to 26% of the Juvenile arrests, furthermore, 44% of youth were detained, whereas 46% them judicially waived to the criminal court, and 58% was admitted to state prisons as per the survey conducted by US Centre on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013). National Association for the Advancement of Colored people also finds that racial discrimination can be evidenced while arresting people for drug offense. They also add that about 14 million whites reported to have illicit drug use while it is only 2.6 million African Americans. Similarly, the evidence also suggests that African Americans are sent to prison for drug related offenses about 10 times than Whites. Though African American comes about 12 % of the total drug using population, they constitute about 38 % of the population arrested for drug offense. A serious association is being seen between the offense and drug usage. Many commit offense either for drugs or under the influence of drugs. US Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that it was in the year 1995 that the first national survey in terms of adult probation was conducted, and this survey exposed that 70% of the initials probationers were in constant use of drugs and 32 % of them revealed consuming illegal drugs a month prior to the time of their offense. Among these people, it was further revealed that Marijuana was the most popularly used drug by them (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013). In 2002, the Bureau has found that many of the drug and property offenders in local Jails committed crime for the financial needs to acquire drugs. A similar pattern was found in state and federal prisons as well. In 2004, it was found that there were about 17 % in state prisons and 18 % in federal prisons, the population who committed offense for accessing drugs. Considering the reports of those in state prisons, it can be seen that 30 % of the property offenders as well as 26 % of the drug offenders committed the respective crimes in the name of drugs (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013). Bureau of Justice Statistics also provides interesting facts on child and youth victims. It reports The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), conducted in the year 2007 reveals that 5.2 million cases were reported regarding violent victimizations of citizens who were twelve and above. Almost 26% of the people who were victims to some kind of violent assault revealed that the particular offender was intoxicated either by drugs or alcohol. Reports of rape and sexual assault, or robbery victimizing college students show that two out of five in case of the former, and quarter in case of latter, have been an offence committed by a person who is directly or indirectly related with substance abuse (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013). The bureau declares on the findings about Jail inmates as well. In the year 2009, the number of prisoners declined from 35% in 1996 to that of 29% who revealed that they were intoxicated by illegal drugs when they committed the offence. Research into what drugs these inmates used shows that the most common drugs are Marijuana, cocaine as well as crack. The year 1996 accounts that 18% convicts abused marijuana whereas 14% abused cocaine or crack. However, a comparison to the year 2002 shows decline in the use of marijuana to 14% as well as decrease in the use of cocaine and crack to 11%. Furthermore, in 2002, jails held account of 56% guilty of robbery, 56% responsible in cases of weapons violations, 55% convicted of burglary and vehicle theft, and what all these accounts show is that these prisoners reported use of drugs during the time they committed the offence (Drugs and Crime Facts, 2013, p.1) Reviewing different studies, we can come to the conclusion that illicit drug use is now common in almost all prisons worldwide. As per a study done in UK, commonly used drugs include heroin cannabis, non-prescribed medication and crack. Non-prescription medication such as Benzodiazepines, anti-depressants etc were also found in use in prisons. The study conducted by Penfold et al (2005) on drug markets, reports heroin and cannabis as the most popular drugs used by prisoners. They further reported many using non prescribed medication and crack cocaine as well. The use of non prescribed medication was more frequent while cocaine was used just as a stimulant drug. The study also describes the channels to access drugs, including social visits, mail, newly arrived prisoners, staff, over the perimeter and after court appearances. Prisoners, ex-prisoners and staff were interviewed for this. Of 96 prisoners/ex-prisoners who had used drugs during their current/most recent period of imprisonment, 40 used the drug for first by purchasing it on the wings in prison while 45 used the same for subsequent use. Penfold et al (2005) further finds that 26 prisoners used drug for first time by getting it from their cell mates or friends, 21 accepted they used this methodology for receiving drugs for subsequent use. Receptions at prisons paved way to 26 and 21 inmates for their first use and subsequent use respectively. They also suggest that 5 inmates received their drug for first use through social visits while about 17 reported of having through social visits for subsequent use. So it is clear that there channels of drugs are closely linked with prisons. Based on the above discussions, we can conclude that addiction is associated with prison life. Reasons are many. Some commits offense under influence while some do not. Those who were not early under influence of drugs too will start using after the prison life. Studies support this. In prisons, the inmates generally spend long periods and they do not have any activities to get engaged. In their frustration, they get addicted to drugs, alcohols and other abusive substances. Experts shares that security in prison is linked with the access to drugs. It is also accepted commonly enforcement measures and some detoxification programs influences the inmates in deciding whether to use drugs in prison and the channel to receive it. In this context, addiction in prison needs focused attention and treatment for addiction must be seriously presumed. Educating the prison inmates on addiction has its multi benefits. Firstly, it helps individuals in controlling their behavior as well as conforming to what is believed to be proper behavior. Thus, through this they become able to not only take care of their own needs in a better way, but also that of their families in their community in general. Moreover, treatment for substance abuse within prisons itself leads to decrease in the abuse of drugs as well as reduced future crimes. In addition to this, spreading of long term diseases resulting form unclean injections including HIV and hepatitis C can be curbed to a large extent (Treatment Behind Bars: Substance Abuse Treatment In New York Prisons, 2011, p.4). New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) reports that successful treatments provided in prisons regarding drug abuse decreases the chances of relapse in the inmates as well as stops them from engaging in further crimes or substance abuse. Moreover, the advantages provided through effective treatment not only ensure that the participants recover, but also provide them with the opportunity to enhance the quality of their lives. This in turn leads to safety of the general public as well as ensures that people stay happily in the secure community (Treatment Behind Bars: Substance Abuse Treatment In New York Prisons, 2011, p.3). The department also suggests that it is important that the treatment programs must be effective. To make it effective, it should be based upon sound strategies catering the needs and strengths of program participants, and it is also important to have competent faculties to handle the program. Through this prison-based treatment, we can address the unhealthy behaviors seen in prisoners and it can provide increased safety for inmates and prison staff by decreasing prison violence associated with drug use and trafficking. Addiction treatment run by Federal Bureau of Prisons, US department of Justice is considered as a model one. The treatment is based on cognitive behavioral treatment and moves beyond it as well. It is an interactive evidence based model. Emphasis is given to treat mentally ill and those with behavior problems. Drug Abuse Education, Non-residential Drug Abuse Treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also a part), Residence Drug Abuse Program and Community Transition Drug Abuse Treatment (TDAT) forms the core of the program. Drug treatment studies for in-prison populations have found that if programs are implemented well with properly designed tools, it can reduce (a) relapse, (b) criminality, (c) recidivism, (d) inmate misconduct, (e) mental illness and (f) behavioral disorders. It is also having the potential to facilitate the offender to improve health and mental health symptoms and conditions, and relationship, increase the level of education and employment upon the return to community. It will also support the offender in increasing the interest in following societal norms. Studies discusses that participants of Residence Drug Addiction Program are at lower risk to have relapse than their non-participant counter parts. RDAP is also reported to have significant change in the lives of inmates following their release from custody and return to the community. It is seen that the addiction treatment has not only influenced their lives, but also their families and communities as well. Team played a greater role in Bureaus success. They comprise certified addictions counselors, social workers, professional counselors, psychiatrists, and medical doctors who work closely with U.S. Probation. America’s Jail-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Project (J-BT Project) is also have its recognition. It focused on reducing offender substance abuse and criminal behavior. The model is known as A New Direction: A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Curriculum and Cognitive-behavioral treatment has proven effective for the interventions among the offender populations. This undertaking utilizes further therapeutically proven strategies such as motivational interviewing, creating orientation with the 12-Step Community, preventing relapse in future, evolving practices that focus on empowerment, strategic therapies that are not too long, therapy given to inmates as a group, as well as family counseling (Jail Based Substance Abuse Treatment Project, n.d., p.1) Project designing was done with that care so that it should enable the population to lower the levels of relapse and recidivism. It was found effective and helpful in stopping the consumption of abusive substances, retrieving from their return to jail and above all , it helps the people get back to work. The Department of Corrections of Washington State under the Health Services Division have also an innovative Chemical Dependency (CD) treatment to cater the needs of those offenders who are diagnosed as chemically dependent. For the benefit of offenders who are addicted and have been diagnosed as seriously mentally ill, specialized integrated treatment is also available. The Department’s Chemical Dependency Treatment includes (a) Screening and Diagnostic Assessment (b) Residential and Intensive Outpatient Treatment (c) Outpatient Aftercare Treatment and (d) Community-based Referral Services. In the beginning, a Chemical Dependency screening will be provided to those offenders who are screened as having a probability for addiction and who are within two years of release from total confinement or under community supervision may be referred for an assessment. Though at selected sites, specialized and integrated treatment will be provided for those with differential mental status. The offenders accepted into treatment are directed further to the treatment level as per the need of the person. The treatment levels comprises (a) Long-term treatment known as Therapeutic Community (6-12 months), (b) Intensive Outpatient Program(6-12 weeks), (c) Outpatient (minimum 3 months) and (d) Recovery House (structured aftercare services). Cognitive -behavioral restructuring, alcohol and drug education, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, self-help support skills, and skill building etc are also included in the treatment methodology. For its prestige, the treatment is certified by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Learning from the existing models and implementing it in future programs are also important. The report of The New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) promises certain developments in its program. In its review certain changes appeared necessary such as: (a) bringing standardization in the procedures related to assessment (b) making use of a stronger assessment tool for inmates who have shown positive results for the misuse of drugs (c) formalizing training (d) making staff of the mental health department as well as the counselors constantly engaged in discussion regarding the assessment of the inmates as well as their progress (e) evolving different programs with regard to treatment as well as education pertaining to the varying needs of the inmates etc. It would be wise to impart these suggestions in newly developing programs as well.   Recommendations of Correctional Association of New York in the study ‘Treatment Behind Bars: New York Prisons’ (2007–2010) seem to be quite interesting and apt for the problem under study. Some recommendations are worth to mention here. Integrated services as per the requirement of the beneficiary should be made available. These requirements can be the length, level of intensity, treatment methodology and locations. Placing the inmates with similar trends and those with same severity of substance abused can be placed together and this will help in maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. This will also help in the proper utilization of staff resources as well. Educating the program participants on the different level of substance abuse, its severity and the types of prison based programs will also add value to the treatment. The program thus designed considering individual requirements of the client can support in reducing reduce inappropriate referrals and increase treatment effectiveness. Specialized training constituting the basics of counseling, essential mental health disorders and its symptoms will be of an added advantage. Relationship building and reflective listening should be offered to counselors so that they will be mastered in administering screening and assessment tools/instruments. A study conducted by Penfold et.al on ‘Tackling Drug Markets’ in UK also proposes some wise advices. All local prisons should be equipped with a dedicated Drug Supply Reduction Teams and should employ a Drug Strategy Coordinator whose key role is to give equal weight to drug treatment and supply reduction measures within the establishment. It is also essential to tighten up the security for social visits. It should be made compulsory to make Passive drug dogs, x-ray machines and CCTV in use. They should be deployed on all visits sessions without exception. Good staff capacity is also essential. Efforts must be directed towards improving liaison with local police as it can help in detecting the routes of external supply of drugs to the prisons. It can be construed that in order to put an end to the misery suffered by inmates as well as to restore their lives back to normal, the prisoners need to undergo healthy programs, that is, clinical detoxification and also, they should be provided a wide array of detoxification drugs, from which they can select the one which is most suitable for them. Various studies reveal that currently, the local prisons do not give much importance to follow up treatments. This is to be changed as follow up treatments are just as important as the detoxification step in drug addiction treatment, thus a greater degree of significance is to be given to the former. The Prison Service in the recent past has invested ?10 million into the CARAT services, thus the latter should provide more than mere assessment, as the contribution made by the former will facilitate more employees as well as higher efficiency from already existing staff. There is another issue, however, in regard with medications provided in prisons, that is, there can be seen misuse in the prescribed medicines. This happens both in terms of misuse of the medication itself as well as the dose of the prescribed medication, thus, the healthcare protocols related with prescription need to be reviewed and modified accordingly (Penfold Tumbull & Webster, 2005, p.xii). It is clear now that prison addiction is an issue to be address seriously and with focus. By giving attention to welfare of the inmates by reducing addiction can improve the quality of prison and thus the country’s justice system. Thinking globally, very few countries focus on this except UK and US, which have worldwide best practices. Now the effort should be on reaching this model to other continents as well. References Delisi, M. & Regoli, B. 1999. Race, Conventional Crime, and Criminal Justice: The Declining Importance of Skin Color. Journal of Criminal Justice, Vol.27 (6): pp.549-557. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from Drugs and Crime Facts. 2013. Washington DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, p.1. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from Jail Based Substance Abuse Treatment Project. Iowa: Iowa Department of Public Health, p.1. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from Penfold, C. Tumbull, P. J. & Webster, R. 2005. Tackling prison drug markets: An Exploratory Qualitative Study. London: Home Office, pp. i-xii. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from Treatment Behind Bars: Substance Abuse Treatment In New York Prisons. 2011. New York: The Correctional Association of New York, pp. 1-248. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from Read More