Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Control Methodologies

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Substance abuse is a grim issue that affects the Canadian inmate population; it can be defined as overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs. Within Canada, 80% of offenders entering the federal prison system are identified as having a substance abuse problem (MacPherson, 2004); this goes beyond mere indication of tougher drug legislation, it uncovers further discrepancy. Due to the immense majority of offenders affected by this complex mental illness, in addition to varied levels of individual cognitive ability. Consequently conventional abstinence-based treatment methods may not benefit all offenders. Untreated, this dynamic risk factor precursor’s future offending, as a study reveals dependency on illegal drugs is the single most serious risk for repeated offending (MacPherson, 2004). It has been established substance control is a far more feasible short term goal than outright eradication. With this ideology, the premise of one’s analysis will be on substance abuse control methodologies, gauging effectiveness and overall success in achieving its purpose. The harm reduction model the most prevalent ideology within the large spectrum of substance control methods, it is defined by the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction as any program or policy designed to reduce drug-related harm without requiring the cessation of drug use (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2006). In essence instead of adhering to the conventional eradication style practices aforementioned, this style focuses on helping the offender cope with their mental illness. This not only can encourage offenders to take active participation within their treatment, but makes them the directors of their own...

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Correctional Services of Canada. Government of Canada. (2001). Infectious diseases prevention and control in canadian federal penitentiaries 2000-01. Retrieved from website: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/pblct/infectiousdiseases/3-eng.shtml

S. S., Owens, D. K., & Brandeau, M. L. (2011). Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of Expanding Harm Reduction and Antiretroviral Therapy in a Mixed HIV Epidemic: A Modeling Analysis for Ukraine. Plos Medicine, 8(3), 1-15. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000423

MacCoun, R. J. (1998). Toward a Psychology of Harm Reduction. American Psychologist, 53(11), 1199

Fay, Calvina L. (2008): "Focus on harm prevention and elimination: a plan to introduce a 'safe' injection site in san francisco is tantamount to giving up on addicts." Behavioral Healthcare 28.1 52+. Academic OneFile. Web. 8 Feb. 2012

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