About the Report of the Re-Entry Council

12: Substance Abuse Treatment

Provide effective substance abuse treatment to anyone in prison or jail who is chemically dependent.

Overview

Because a history of using drugs and/or alcohol is common to so many people in prisons and jails - both generally and in connection with particular criminal offenses - it is especially key that addictions issues be addressed during the period of incarceration. Failing to capitalize on this opportunity to treat addiction poses risks to successful prisoner reintegration, public safety, and public health. Utilizing programs proven to be effective, prioritizing resources for those nearing release, and encouraging community-based aftercare will ensure better outcomes for re-entering prisoners and the communities to which they return.

Research Highlights

Recommendations

  1. Determine the extent to which existing services are effective and sufficient to meet the demand for substance abuse treatment.
  2. Assess candidates for program participation carefully, and prioritize treatment for drug-dependent prisoners and those approaching release.
  3. Implement evidence-based treatment services that make the best use of available resources.
  4. Engage the community-based substance abuse system to provide effective, culturally competent services to people in correctional facilities who are in need of treatment.

Related Policy Statements

 Our Publications

Public Housing Authorities and Prisoner Re-Entry

A growing number of people are released each year from state prison and local jails; this phenomenon, prisoner reentry, has a significant impact on housing programs administered by PHAs, including public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), and other programs.

Related Information

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