NIDA's Addiction Treatment Principles For Inmates

Drug addiction is a brain disease that affects behavior.

Recovery from drug addiction requires effective treatment followed by management of the problem over time.

Treatment must last long enough to produce stable behavioral changes.

Assessment is the first step in treatment.

Tailoring services to fit the needs of the individual is an important part of effective drug abuse treatment.

Drug use during treatment should be carefully monitored.

Treatment should target factors that are associated with criminal behavior.

Criminal justice supervision should incorporate treatment planning for drug-abusing offenders, and treatment providers should be aware of correctional supervision requirements.

Continuity of care is essential for drug abusers re-entering the community.

A balance of rewards and sanctions encourages “pro-social” behavior and treatment participation.

Offenders with co-occurring drug abuse and other mental health problems often require an integrated treatment approach.

Medications are an important part of treatment for many drug-abusing offenders.

Treatment planning for drug-abusing offenders who are living in or re-entering the community should include strategies to prevent and treat serious, chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis.