Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Psychosocial Interventions for Substance-Abusing Criminal Offenders: Borrowing US Experience for the Chinese Context

  • Published:
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Research and evaluation studies on in-prison interventions and community rehabilitative programs in the USA have made much progress in recent decades and produced many promising findings that can be shared and perhaps emulated in countries with emerging substance misuse problems. Drawing from our own research and a review of the literature on promising psychosocial interventions—most notably, cognitive–behavioral interventions, contingency management, and motivational interviewing, we reflect on what we have personally learned from the principles and research accumulated from the USA with a particular application for the Chinese context. The best lessons from decades of research in this field in the USA include: (1) avoid reinventing the wheel and embrace the basic principles of effective psychosocial interventions, (2) develop a treatment environment that humanizes substance misusers and promotes social reintegration, and (3) employ inexpensive but rigorous evaluation strategies to provide evidence for incremental improvement in treatment. Specific challenges in the Chinese sociocultural context are also discussed and recommendations made for improved access and services in the treatment of substance misuse in the world’s most populous country.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Prison population statistics can be found at www.cdcr.ca.gov.

  2. Prior to AB109, the State of California was already ordered by the federal government to reduce its prison population, a decision affirmed by the US Supreme Court. Additional details about this major restructuring in the state prison system can be found at: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/realignment/.

  3. Like many established psychometric tests, commercial risk and needs assessment instruments for US prison populations, such as the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) and Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS), typically involve two types of fees—an annual license fee (usually a few thousand dollars) and a per-use fee (usually around $3 per use). For example, details can be found at https://www.gifrinc.com/course/lsi-r/ for fee structures on LSI-R, probably the most widely recognized risk and needs assessment instrument for justice-involved populations in North America.

  4. For instance, numerous instructional and assessment materials about MI and motivational enhancement therapy can be downloaded for free from NIDA’s website: https://www.drugabuse.gov.

  5. Specific instructions on how to conduct CBT training can be found at NIDA’s website: https://archives.drugabuse.gov/TXManuals/CBT/CBT1.html. Similar CBT training manuals can also be found at NIAAA’s official website: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MATCHSeries3/.

  6. Details about this coordinated effort in Europe can be found at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/.

References

  • Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2006). The psychology of criminal conduct (4th ed.). Albany: Anderson Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, D. A., Zinger, I., Hoge, R. D., Bonta, J., Gendreau, P., & Cullen, F. T. (1990). Does correctional treatment work? A clinically relevant and psychologically informed meta-analysis. Criminology, 28(3), 369–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benishek, L. A., Dugosh, K. L., Kirby, K. C., Matejkowski, J., Clements, N. R., Seymour, B. L., & Festinger, D. S. (2014). Prize-based contingency management for the treatment of substance abusers: A meta-analysis. Addiction, 109, 1426–1436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, B. L., Arkowitz, H., & Menchola, M. (2003). The efficacy of motivational interviewing: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 71, 843–861.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, K. M., & Onken, L. S. (2005). Behavioral therapies for drug abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162, 1452–1460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, K. M., Ball, S. A., Nich, C., Martino, S., Frankforter, T. L., Farentinos, C., Kunkel, L. E., Mikulich-Gilbertson, S. K., Morgenstern, J., Obert, J. L., Polcin, D., Snead, N., & Woody, G. E. (2006). Motivational interviewing to improve treatment engagement and outcome in individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse: A multisite effectiveness study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 81(3), 301–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (2016). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 16–4984, NSDUH Series H-51). Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/. Accessed 25 Feb 2017.

  • Dobkin, P. L., Paraherakis, A., & Gill, K. (2002). The role of functional social support in treatment retention and outcomes among outpatient adult substance abusers. Addiction, 97(3), 347–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dutra, L., Stathopoulou, G., Basden, S. L., Leyro, T. M., Powers, M. B., & Otto, M. W. (2008). A meta-analytic review of psychosocial interventions for substance use disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(2), 179–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farabee, D., Zhang, S. X., & Wright, B. J. (2014). An experimental evaluation of a nationally recognized employment-focused offender reentry program. Journal of Experimental Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-014-9201-z.

  • Felbab-Brown, V., & Trinkunas, H. (2016). UNGASS 2016 in Comparative Perspective: Improving the Prospects for Success. Foreign Policy at Brookings. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FelbabBrown-TrinkunasUNGASS-2016-final-2.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2017.

  • Gorski, T. T. (1990). The Cenaps model of relapse prevention: Basic principles and procedures. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 22(2), 125–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, X. (1997). Drug abuse and control in China. Journal of Research in Juvenile Delinquency, 1, 7–10 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Havassy, B. E., Hall, S. M., & Wasserman, D. A. (1991). Social support and relapse: Commonalities among alcoholics, opiate users, and cigarette smokers. Addictive Behaviors, 16(5), 235–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawken, A., & Kleiman, M. (2007) H.O.P.E. for Reform: What a novel probation program in Hawaii might teach other states. American Prospect Online ( April 10). Available at: http://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/docs6/tap041007h4reform.pdf. Accessed 3 Nov 2017.

  • Higgins, S. T., & Silverman, K. (1999). Motivating behavior change among illicit-drug abusers: Research on contingency management interventions. In American Psychological Association. Washington, DC.

  • Higgins, S. T., Alessi, S. M., & Dantona, R. L. (2002). Voucher-based incentives: A substance abuse treatment innovation. Addictive Behaviors, 27, 887–910.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, S. T., Heil, S. H., & Lussier, J. P. (2004). Clinical implications of reinforcement as a determinant of substance use disorders. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 431–461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, S. T., Silverman, K., & Heil, S. H. (2007). Contingency management in substance abuse treatment. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hser, Y.-I., Hoffman, V., Grella, C., & Anglin, M. D. (2001). A 33-year follow-up of narcotics addicts. Archives of General Psychiatry, 58, 503–508.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ja, D. Y., & Aoki, B. (1993). Substance abuse treatment: Cultural barriers in the Asian-American community. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 25(1), 61–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaeble, D., & Glaze, L. (2016). Correctional populations in the United States, 2015. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, US Department of Justice Available at: https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cpus15.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Latkin, C. A., Knowlton, A. R., Hoover, D., & Mandell, W. (1999). Drug network characteristics as a predictor of cessation of drug use among adult injection drug users: A prospective study. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 25(3), 463–473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lattimore, P., & Visher, C. A. (2009). The multisite evaluation of SVORI: Summary and synthesis. Research Triangle Park: RTI International.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lattimore, P., Steffey, D. M., & Christy, C. A. (2010). Prisoner reentry in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Victims & Offenders, 5(3), 253–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lattimore, P.K., Barrick, K., Cowell, A.J., Dawes, D., Steffey, D.M., Tueller, S.J., Visher, C. (2012). Prisoner reentry services: What worked for SVORI evaluation participants? Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. Available at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/238214.pdf. Accessed 3 Nov 2017.

  • Lattimore, P. K., MacKenzie, D. L., Zajac, G., Dawes, D., Arsenault, E., & Tueller, S. (2016). Outcome findings from the HOPE demonstration field experiment. Criminology & Public Policy, 15(4), 1103–1141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lenz, A. S., Rosenbaum, L., & Sheperis, D. (2016). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of motivational enhancement therapy for reducing substance use. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 37, 66–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, M. W., & Petry, N. M. (2005). Contingency management treatments that reinforce completion of goal-related activities: Participation in family activities and its association with outcomes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 79(2), 267–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Link, B. G., Cullen, F. T., Struening, E. L., Shrout, P. E., et al. (1989). A modified labeling theory approach to mental disorders: An empirical assessment. American Sociological Review, 54(3), 400–423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lowenkamp, C. T., Latessa, E. J., & Holsinger, A. M. (2006). The risk principle in action: What have we learned from 13,676 offenders and 97 correctional programs? Crime and Delinquency, 52(1), 77–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lundahl, B. W., Kunz, C., Brownell, C., Tollefson, D., & Burke, B. L. (2010). A meta-analysis of motivational interviewing: Twenty-five years of empirical studies. Research on Social Work Practice, 20(2), 137–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (2010). Behind bars II: Substance abuse and America’s prison population. Available at: http://www.centeronaddiction.org/. Accessed 20 Feb 2017.

  • National Drug Intelligence Center. (2011). National drug threat assessment. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of drug abuse treatment for criminal justice populations—A research-based guide. Bethesda: National Institute on Drug Abuse Available at: https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/txcriminaljustice_0.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nemoto, T., Aoki, B., Huang, K., Morris, A., Nhung, L. M., Nguyen, H., Ching, A., & Wong, W. (2000). HIV risk behaviors among Asian drug users in San Francisco. AIDS Education and Prevention, 12(2), 126–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang, T., & He, L. (1993). Drug addiction and sales: A current analysis. Sociological Research (in Chinese), 3, 62–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petersilia, J. (2006). Understanding California corrections. Irvine: California Policy Research Center, University of California, Irvine.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petry, N. M., & Martin, B. (2004). Low-cost contingency management for treating cocaine- and opioid-abusing methadone patients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 398–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pinquart, M., Duberstein, P. R., & Lyness, J. M. (2007). Effects of psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions on clinically depressed older adults: A meta-analysis. Aging & Mental Health, 11(6), 645–657.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prendergast, M. L. (2009). Interventions to promote successful re-entry among drug-abusing parolees. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 5(1), 4–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prendergast, M., Podus, D., Finney, J., Greenwell, L., & Roll, J. (2006). Contingency management for treatment of substance use disorders: A meta-analysis. Addition, 101, 1546–1560.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roll, J. M., Madden, G. J., Rawson, R., & Petry, N. M. (2009). Facilitating the adoption of contingency Management for the Treatment of substance use disorders. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2(1), 4–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rubak, S., Sandbaek, A., Lauritzen, T., & Christensen, B. (2005). Motivational interviewing: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of General Practice, 55, 305–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Sentencing Project. (2015). Trends in US corrections. Washington, D.C.: The Sentencing Project Available at: http://sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Trends-in-US-Corrections.pdf. Accessed 20 Feb 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  • Travis, J. (2005). But they all come back: Facing the challenges of prisoner reentry. Washington, DC: Urban Institute Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • US Surgeon General (2016). Facing addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s report on alcohol, drugs, and health. In US Department of Health and Human Services under the general direction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

  • VandenBos, G. R. (2007). APA dictionary of psychology (1st ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, P., & Rabuy, B. (2016). Mass incarceration: the whole pie 2016. Press Release. Available at: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2016.html. Accessed 19 Feb 2017.

  • Weisner, C., Ray, G. T., Mertens, J. R., Satre, D. D., & Moore, C. (2003). Short-term alcohol and drug treatment outcomes predict long-term outcome. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 71, 281–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, B. J., Zhang, S. X., & Farabee, D. (2012). A squandered opportunity? A review of SAMHSA’s National Registry of evidence-based programs and practices for offenders. Crime and Delinquency, 58(6), 954–972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zarkin, G. A., Cowell, A. J., Hicks, K. A., Mills, M. J., Belenko, S., Dunlap, L. J., & Keyes, V. (2015). Lifetime benefits and costs of diverting substance-abusing offenders from state prison. Crime and Delinquency, 61(6), 829–850.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, C., & Chen, Y. (1998). China’s battle against narcotics (in Chinese). Beijing: New Star Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, S. X., Robert, E. L. R., & Farabee, D. (2014). An analysis of prisoner Reentry and parole risk using COMPAS and traditional criminal history measures. Crime and Delinquency, 60(2), 167–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 10854, USA

    Sheldon X. Zhang

  2. College of Criminal Justice, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China

    Geping Qiu

Authors
  1. Sheldon X. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Geping Qiu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sheldon X. Zhang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, S.X., Qiu, G. Psychosocial Interventions for Substance-Abusing Criminal Offenders: Borrowing US Experience for the Chinese Context. Eur J Crim Policy Res 24, 155–169 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10610-017-9363-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10610-017-9363-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation