Substance Abuse Treatment Program For Offenders Re-integrating into Society From Prison/Jail (The Half Way House Client) Designed By: Victoria Hargan BA Psychology Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System 2008
Oct 26, 2014
Substance Abuse
Treatment Program For Offenders Re-integrating into Society
From Prison/Jail
(The Half Way House Client)
Designed By: Victoria Hargan
BA Psychology
Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System
2008
Three Top Elements to succeed
1. The group worker will work with structural
constraints, policies, and laws.
2. Random drug screens performed 3 times
weekly
3. Electronic Tethers
Assessment and Evaluation
Clients will be assessed and/or evaluated before they
leave the facility (Prison/jail) by a psychiatrist.
This intervention will determine whether clients who
have been monitored during their prison stay will need
additional treatment or interventions before integration
in society.
In addition, this intervention will serve as a guide for
half-way house staff in implementing an individualized
treatment plan designed specifically for each
individuals needs.
Therapy and Medication
Individual psychotherapy
will be implemented for all
Clients, including those with
Dual Diagnosis (Mental
Illness and SUD’s-
(Substance Use Disorder).
This intervention will serve
as a way to monitor
individual progress and to
address the client needs and
feelings, and symptoms they
may be experiencing.
A medication regimen will be
implemented (if warranted) upon
initial assessment and/or during
follow up evaluations with the
psychiatrist at the prison; or
during monthly evals with the Dr.
If client behavior reveals a need
for an earlier eval before the
monthly visit with the Dr. staff
will notify the facility physician.
Group Therapy (Meetings) Meet 3 times weekly.
Helps the client by identifying with others going through similar
problems.
Group can help the individual understand their own attitudes
toward addiction and their defenses against giving up alcohol and
drugs by confronting similar attitudes and defenses in others.
Encourages client to learn to communicate needs and feelings more
directly.
A disadvantage to group would be that not everyone likes to share
personal information with others.
Therapeutic Factors in Group Therapy Instillation of hope
Universality
Imparting information
Altruism
Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group
Development of socialization techniques
Imitative behavior
Interpersonal learning
Group cohesiveness
Catharsis
Existential factors (Springer, 2003)
Random Drug Screens (3 times weekly)
Random Drug Screens 3 times weekly
Alcohol breath testing daily, upon return to the half-way house, or at the discretion of the staff. This will help in monitoring progress, and relapse.
If a client violates the drug/alcohol policy it will be reported to the parole or probation officer.
A disadvantage More work for the staff-documentation and performing tests. The expense of screening may not fit into budget.
Electronic Tethers and Work It is encouraged for clients to obtain employment. Tethers help
monitor the client when the client has to leave the half-way home to go to work.
This intervention will allow the client some independence, structure, and can boost self-esteem by offering independence and a quality of life.
The client can save money from job for expenses needd upon leaving the half house and re-integrate back into society.
Electronic tethers will be placed on the individual before they leave the prison.
A disadvantage is the expense of the tethers, putting additional financial burden on the client.
Additional Treatments for Success
Scheduled family/friends visiting time. At the beginning of the family time, the therapist, client, and family will help identify problems within the family system. The entire family time will not be spent on therapy, however it will be incorporated within the family time.
Must be in by 7pm, and no telephone communication outside the house after 9pm. This will help reduce clients from trying to obtain drugs from outside the house at late hours. House staff will monitor activities. Lock down will occur by 8pm. Permission to return after the said hours must be approved for work, educational or medical reasons only.
References: Springer, D. W., McNeece, C. A., & Arnold, E. M.
(2003). Substance abuse treatment for criminal
offenders: An evidence-based guide for practitioners.
Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
Higgins, S., Silverman, K. (2007) Contingency Management in
Substance Abuse Treatment