Throughout the world, many individuals have fallen into the dangerous cycle of substance abuse and repeated incarcerations. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that approximately 50% of state prisoners and 33% of federal prisoners had committed a crime after using drugs. Furthermore, 1 in 6 prisoners engaged in criminal activity to obtain money for drugs. Often, individuals serve their sentences but do not get necessary treatment for their substance abuse. Without seeking treatment, individuals often commit repeated offenses, thus perpetuating the cycle. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) has funded the Beacon Project, a 12-month substance abuse treatment program combining the criminal justice system and treatment providers. This substance abuse treatment program consists of a treatment readiness program operated at the local jail, 6 months of residential treatment, followed by 5 months of Aftercare services. The ultimate goal of the Beacon Project is to provide a continuum of care for substance abuse to African-American men in the criminal justice system in order to break the cycle of substance abuse and incarceration. Clients are assessed through data collection upon entry to each level of care as well as after completion of the program. Changes in psychosocial outcomes, such as criminal activity, substance use, self-concept, educational level, HIV knowledge and attitudes, mental health, as well as overall health will be discussed. In addition, implications for providing substance abuse treatment to individuals involved in the criminal justice system will be presented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify facilitators and barriers for substance abuse treatment of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. 2. Describe characteristics of effective substance abuse treatment programs that are linked to the criminal justice system. 3. Discuss the role of the criminal justice system in providing substance abuse treatment.
Keywords: Criminal Justice, Drugs
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.