HistoryThe need for addiction treatment in prison is intense. The most recent Department of Justice data from 2002 found that 68% of offenders reported symptoms of addiction in the year prior to prison admission that met the criteria for addiction. 16% of those convicted say they committed the crime to obtain money for drugs. Sixty-three percent of offenders who met dependency criteria had participated in some form of treatment in the past (James & Karberg, 2005). Because convicted offenders tend to be locked up for longer periods than incarcerated offenders, the options for treatment in a prison setting are more distant. -reach. Correctional and treatment staff are best positioned to establish programs that fit the needs of their facility. Under the best circumstances, offenders have the opportunity to abstain from substance use and learn new positive behaviors prior to release into the community (9 Treatment Issues, 2005). Issues Affecting Treatment in Prison Settings Determining the characteristics of a “criminal” personality type that is shared by all offenders is nearly impossible. Hardened character traits and “manly” attitudes adopted as part of prison culture can discourage offenders from participating in treatment. The stigma associated with incarceration, combined with the effects of being imprisoned, often results in a bleak outlook on life. Some feel like victims of the legal system, still others are proud to belong to a subculture and to be outside the majority culture. Inmates often learn to create this type of identity as an offender to survive within the system (9 Treatment Issues, 2005). Disincentives to participate The... half of the document ...... treatment during detention. Addiction treatment is available to inmates who choose to participate in a program while incarcerated. While the reason for starting treatment may vary, some will have a mandate and others will volunteer. The main problem with inmates remaining in the program has to do with the culture within the prison system. Those who overcome difficulties and follow the program from the beginning until release from further treatment which would occur after release from prison, have a greater chance of not committing new crimes and not having relapses. The federal program appears to be well established and functioning. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is working with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to ensure evidence-based treatment services are provided to feds. prisoners.