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Abstract: 

Over the past 20 years, the United States has witnessed a fourfold increase in the total number of incarcerated offenders, with more than two million men and women currently behind bars (Beck & Harrison, 2001). By all definitions, this qualifies as a significant social problem. Internationally, the World Prison Population List also indicates there is a growing prison population in most parts of the world (averaging a 68% increase from 1999 to 2002). Estimates from the United States show that more than 70% of inmates have used drugs (excluding alcohol) on a regular basis (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1999; Byrne et al., 1998), and approximately half report being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of their offense (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse [CASA], 1998). Consistently positive findings have been found for intensive long-term treatment, which has been shown to reduce post-incarceration relapse and recidivism.

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Affiliations:  1: Texas Christian University, Institute of Behavioral Research; 2: Institute of Behavioral Research; 3: Institute of Behavioral Research.