5301.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 9:42 PM

Abstract #17884

Never too late: Cost-effectiveness of substance abuse treatment in prison

C Love, PhD, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI 02912, 401-444-1829, Craig_Love@Brown.edu, D S Shepard, PHD, Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Heller School, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS 035, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, M Daley, PhD, Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Brandeis University, and K White Maynard, MA, Connecticut Department of Correction.

The probability of a substance abuser being incarcerated at some point is substantial, and provides an opportunity for treatment interventions in a controlled setting. However, the desirability, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of providing substance abuse treatment in jails and prisons have been the subject of debate. This paper explores the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the various intensities of substance abuse treatment in a state prison system. It presents results from a study of the Connecticut state prison system, which offers treatment at four different intensities: orientation, outpatient format, intensive outpatient format, and residential format. Treatment assignment was based on an intake assessment of the inmate's need for substance abuse treatment. However, most prisons offered only one or two intensities and treatment could not always be provided at the time or intensity needed and/or requested by the inmate. The research team examined the criminal behavior outcomes (recidivism) of a random sample of inmates released in 1996-97 in terms of level of treatment need, level of treatment received, effects of ancillary treatment and training programs, and the cost effectiveness of the two treatment variables The outcomes are viewed in terms of the criminal justice system investment in substance abuse treatment. The implications of this perspective and recidivism results are discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to discuss the impact of substance abuse treatment in a state prison system on criminal behavior outcomes. In addition, participants will have an understanding of the cost-effectiveness of different treatment programs offered to inmates

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prison

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA