FORUM on Corrections Research

An assessment of the offender substance abuse prerelease program at Drumheller Institution (R-26, 1992)

This report describes the results of the test measurements completed by a group of offenders participating in a prerelease substance abuse program. An assessment of the program from the point of view of both participants and instructors is also provided.

Results showed that the offenders attained better scores on all measures after program participation. Although not all the post-program scores showed statistically significant improvements, the differences in the scores from pre- to post-testing were all positive. Analysis of post-program scores between severe and non-severe drug/alcohol users indicated that the program is having a positive effect on the offenders for which it was intended. Evaluation of both program and control group scores showed that program participants scored better on the majority of the test measures when compared to the control group. These preliminary results suggest that the program was successful in promoting positive change in attitudes and knowledge regarding substance abuse.

Offender and instructor evaluations of the program were generally positive. Program participants indicated a very high degree of satisfaction with both the process and the content of the program.