Effects of Drug Treatment Units in Swedish Prisons

This article presents the findings from an evaluation of the care provided at treatment units for drug abusers in Swedish prisons. A total of 741 inmates who were placed in prison treatment units in 2006 are compared with individuals with whom they were matched on the basis of their statistical risk for reoffending, and who served prison terms during the years 2001–2002. Half of the inmates in the treatment group were placed in units working with a 12-step programme, while the remainder were placed in treatment units employing cognitive programmes. The study shows positive results with respect to reoffending. The greatest differences were found in the following subgroups: males, inmates who were at least 30 years of age, those who completed their stay in a treatment unit, and those who had spent at least 4.5 months in a treatment unit.