EFFECTIVENESS OF A DRUG-FREE DETENTION TREATMENT PROGRAM IN A DUTCH PRISON

Several Dutch penitentiaries, which have relatively severe drug-use re lated problems, experimented with drug-free detention treatment progra ms (DVA). These programs aim at controlling drug use by offering a the rapeutic atmosphere and serve as linkage to detention posttreatment. I n a Rotterdam jail (335 cells), ca. 10% were the DVA. Information was gathered from 86 male inmates who volunteered to enter the program, an d 42 from other wings. After 1 year the drug-free detention group more actively searched and accepted treatment. No differences were found i n drug use, recidivism, or physical, social, and psychological problem s.