Alcohol abuse
This 3-hour program discusses the strengths and weaknesses of 12-step programs and how they integrate with "what works" in the correctional field. The following topics are addressed:
- Enhancing communication and cooperation and supporting the appropriate use of 12-step programs;
- Recognizing the benefits of 12-step programs throughout the criminal justice system;
- Understanding how the mission of 12-step programs complements the goal of corrections;
- Special issues with 12-step programs -- legal and mandatory participation and conflicting research and literature;
- And implementing what has been learned.
This training manual presents an 'overview of the role and efficacy of group therapy in substance abuse treatment. The goal ' [is to] describe effective types of group therapy and offer a theoretical basis for group therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders' (p. v). Modules contained in this lesson plan are: groups and substance abuse treatment; types of groups used in substance abuse treatment; criteria for the placement of clients in groups; group development and phase-specific tasks; stages of treatment; group leadership, concepts, and techniques; and supervision.
'In this bulletin, the authors describe 10 guidelines for community supervision professionals who regularly work with underage drinkers. These guidelines are derived from evidence-based practices. They help professionals develop a plan for screening underage drinkers, determine appropriate responses, create a case plan, and provide treatment' (p. 1). These guidelines are: conduct screening for alcohol problems at first and subsequent contacts between underage drinkers and the justice system; assess the youth's risk and need; assess youth for strengths and assets; assess youth for substance abuse problems; determine the most appropriate system-level response and individual-level intervention(s) and develop an individualized case plan; identify each offender's readiness to change and prompt him or her to make positive changes using motivational interviewing techniques; refer underage drinking offenders with alcohol disorders to appropriate alcohol treatment and monitor their attendance and participation; engage family and social support networks in the supervision process; monitor compliance with supervision conditions and case plan expectations; and apply sanctions for noncompliance when necessary, and increase positive reinforcement.
