Synopsis
Get the latest information on new and emerging modalities for treating drug-involved offenders!
Treating Substance Abusers in Correctional Contexts: New Understandings, New Modalities analyzes the shift in policy and attitude away from two decades of the harsh punishment that characterized the war on drugs toward a more treatment-oriented "medicalization" of the problem. Edited by Dr. Nathaniel J. Pallone, editor of the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation (Haworth), the book presents an overview of new and emerging models for treatment of drug-involved offenders in a variety of settings. An international panel of authors examines the "rather treat than fight" approach to the war on drugs proposed by the voters of California, the Governor and criminal court judges of New York, and Gen. Barry McCaffrey, former Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Treating Substance Abusers in Correctional Contexts looks at treatment modalities available to offenders inside and outside correctional institutions, with community organizations and mental health and social service agencies enlisted in a continuum of care as the courts and criminal justice system provide oversight-and often, funding. The book explores types of treatment that operate under the surveillance of courts and the criminal justice system, ranging from in-house programs for offenders under confinement in prisons and jails to residential substance abuse treatment (RSAT) and substance abuse treatment (SAT) programs in the community. Through qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive studies, outcome assessments, event-history analysis, and intensive interviews, the book examines recovery relapse prevention, rehabilitation, diversion, therapeutic justice, and the impact of prison-based substance abuse treatment programs.
Treating Substance Abusers in Correctional Contexts also examines:
- the impact of deterrence versus rehabilitation on recidivism in the Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Incarceration Program (DTAP) in a major metropolitan area
- criminal violence and drug use in residential treatment facilities
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) programs for young offenders
- the long-term effectiveness of an adult drug court program
- illicit drug and injecting equipment markets inside English prisons and a clinical case report on children exposed in utero to crack cocaine
Treating Substance Abusers in Correctional Contexts: New Understandings, New Modalities is must reading for graduate and undergraduate courses in criminal justice, corrections, offender rehabilitation, and substance abuse. The book is equally valuable as a primary textbook for continuing education coursework for counselors, psychologists, social workers, corrections officers, correctional administrators, and policymakers.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description:This book discusses substance abuse treatment in correctional facilities in the United States, England, and Hong Kong, covering both juvenile and adult offenders. The book was copublished simultaneously as Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Volume 37, Numbers 3/4 2003.
Purpose:According to the introductory material, the book "analyzes the shift in policy and attitude away from two decades of the harsh punishment that characterized the war on drugs toward a more treatment oriented 'medicalization' of the problem." These worthy objectives are met by the book.
Audience:Although the editor does not indicate for whom the book is written, in my opinion, the book would serve the needs of those working directly with substance abuse clients, especially in correctional facilities. The editor and contributors are credible authorities. Dr. Pallone is the editor of Journal of Offender Rehabilitation and University Distinguished Professor (Psychology), Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University.
Features:This book covers different aspects of substance abuse treatment in correctional settings such as: perceptions among staff and clients; the philosophy of punishment or treatment; how to measure outcome; and factors in successful relapse prevention. The book has a very nice case study of a person who was cocaine-exposed as a baby, following his development through adolescence. It also offers analysis of treatment across cultures. In the chapter, "Factors in Successful Relapse Prevention Among Hong Kong Drug Addicts," 21 former male clients were interviewed. The authors found that cognitive factors were the most important determinants of success in abstinence maintenance.
Assessment:The book does a nice job in covering the topic. The case study of a cocaine-exposed infant and his later development is short but enlightening. All in all, the book covers the critical areas such as punishment vs. treatment, staff and client attitudes, and how to measure success. It is easy to read and includes pertinent research.