The Effectiveness of Incarceration‐Based Drug Treatment on Criminal Behavior*

Abstract

This Campbell Review evaluates the effects of four different approaches to drug abuse treatment for incarcerated offenders in relation to criminal behaviour and relapse into drug abuse. It also examines what characterises the effective programmes.The findings of this research review are based on a meta‐analysis of 66 independent assessments. These are part of 53 studies which include more than 165,000 offenders (one assessment included more than 95,000 offenders). 58 studies were carried out in the USA, three in Australia, three in Canada, one in Taiwan and one in the UK.The treatment of incarcerated drug abusers can reduce recidivism by up to 20% . However, there are major differences in how the various types of treatment work, both with regard to avoiding relapse into crime and continued drug abuse. Therapeutic communities have a positive effect on both criminal behaviour and drug abuse. Counselling programmes only reduce recidivism, but do not appear to be equally effective for all types of offenders. Other types of treatment – narcotic maintenance programmes (e.g. methadone treatment) and boot camps – do not appear to reduce recidivism.This research review emphasises the need for more insight into which specific parts of a treatment programme are the most important. It is the conclusion of this review that future research should be based on the application of the strictest requirements for the chosen assessment design.