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How effective is drug abuse treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) About Drug Abuse Treatment for People Involved with the Criminal Justice System. Reprinted from "Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations" by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (in the Public Domain) by Thomas A. Wilson, MA, LCPC & CEO of Tom Wilson Counseling and Telehealth Center. 3. How effective is drug abuse treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals? Treatment is an effective intervention for drug abusers, including those who are involved with the criminal justice system. However, the effectiveness of drug treatment depends on both the individual and the program, and on whether interventions and treatment services are available and appropriate for the individual’s needs. To alter attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that support drug use, the drug abuser must engage in a therapeutic change process, which may include medications to help prevent relapse. Longitudinal outcome studies find

How can rewards and sanctions be used effectively with drug-involved offenders in treatment?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) About Drug Abuse Treatment for People Involved with the Criminal Justice System. Reprinted from "Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations" by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (in the Public Domain) by Thomas A. Wilson, MA, LCPC & CEO of Tom Wilson Counseling and Telehealth Center.   9. How can rewards and sanctions be used effectively with drug-involved offenders in treatment? The systematic application of behavioral management principles underlying reward and punishment can help individuals reduce their drug use and criminal behavior. Rewards and sanctions are most likely to change behavior when they are certain to follow the targeted behavior, when they follow swiftly, and when they are perceived as fair. It is important to recognize and reinforce progress toward responsible, abstinent behavior.  Rewarding positive behavior is more effective in producing long-term positive change than puni

Why should drug abuse treatment be provided to offenders?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) About Drug Abuse Treatment for People Involved with the Criminal Justice System. Reprinted from "Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations" by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (in the Public Domain) by Thomas A. Wilson, MA, LCPC & CEO of Tom Wilson Counseling and Telehealth Center . 2. Why should drug abuse treatment be provided to offenders? The case for treating drug abusing offenders is compelling. Drug abuse treatment improves outcomes for drug abusing offenders and has beneficial effects for public health and safety. Effective treatment decreases future drug use and drug-related criminal behavior, can improve the individual’s relationships with his or her family, and may improve prospects for employment. In addition, it can save lives: A retrospective study of more than 30,000 Washington State inmates found that during the first 2 weeks after release, the risk of death among former inmates was
Online Thinking Errors Classes Online Thinking Errors classes have been developed to improve decision-making, problem solving and Conflict Management at Tom Wilson Counseling and Telehealth Services.  These innovative cognitive-behavioral skills training classes are also referred to as Cognitive Self-Change or Thinking Errors classes. They are designed to meet requirements of courts, probation and parole, universities and colleges and emphasize pro-social decision making and positive behavior change. These classes are self-directed over the internet and available anytime of day or night, with strict security, confidentiality and attendance monitoring. 

Why do people involved in the criminal justice system continue abusing drugs?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) about Drug Abuse Treatment for People Involved with the Criminal Justice System. Republished from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (in the Public Domain) by Thomas A. Wilson, MA, LCPC & CEO of Tom Wilson Counseling and Telehealth Center.   1. Why do people involved in the criminal justice system continue abusing drugs? The answer to this perplexing question spans basic biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The repeated use of addictive drugs eventually changes how the brain functions. Resulting brain changes, which accompany the transition from voluntary to compulsive drug use, affect the brain’s natural inhibition and reward centers, causing the addicted person to use drugs in spite of the adverse health, social, and legal consequences. Addictive drugs cause long-lasting changes in the brain. Craving for drugs may be triggered by contact with the people, places, and things associated with prior drug use,