If drug offenders were allowed to receive CBT, it would (1) improve rehabilitation of offenders, (2) help prevent reoffending for drug-related problems, and (3) promote sentencing policies that contribute to public safety while reducing the unsustainable growth of prison populations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An Effective Approach for Reducing Recidivism and Preventing Drug Related Crimes

Lecsy T. Hernandez., M.S. & Kristine M. Jacquin., Ph.D. Fielding Graduate University, School of Psychology

Goals of Treatment

Abstract

American College of Forensic Psychology 2017

Empirical research has cataloged cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as one of the most effective evidence-based rehabilitative interventions in targeting mental conflicts, beliefs, and maladaptive behaviors (Edelman, 2007). This poster examines the effectiveness of CBT for reducing recidivism and preventing drug-related crimes. Research has found promising results in the utilization of CBT for modifying and preventing distorted cognitions and antisocial behaviors of offenders. Although more research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of CBT in correctional settings, the existing studies suggest this is a promising approach.

•  Previous research suggests that drug offenders exhibit

difficulties in self-control of emotions and behaviors including impulsivity, distorted thinking, and self-justification (Clark, 2010).

•  Drug offenders also show deficits in recognizing the

effects of substances on their behaviors and attitudes (Clark, 2010). E.g., drug offenders are often unable to see how their urge for substances hinders their ability to avoid criminal behavior.

•  Past research also suggests there is a connection between

criminal actions and acquisition of substances (Blevins, Kuhns & Lee, 2012). A significant number of drug offenders exhibit signs of substance use disorder, which suggests that the integration of substance-related CBT in correctional settings would have promising results.

•  About half of prisoners in the U.S. are drug offenders

(Taxy, Samuel & Adams, 2015). Methamphetamine and cocaine users are estimated to form about 54% of the prison population (Taxy et al., 2015)

•  Drug offenders experience higher levels of stress than

substance users in the general population, mostly because they have to adjust to a restrictive setting with decreased access to substances while also dealing with their legal situation (Cesaroni & Peterson-Badali, 2010).

•  Although the nature of drug-related crimes varies by type of offense the focus here is on convictions involving drug use.

The goals of CBT for reducing recidivism and preventing drug-related prosecutions are:

•  Acquire the necessary skills to improve

quality of personal life and maintain long term-sobriety.

•  Identify and replace cognitions that foster

negative emotions and behaviors contributing to use of substances or illegal behaviors.

•  Increase insight about consistent ways to meet

emotional needs through positive outlets (e.g., mental health programs, rehabilitation programs, family support, community programs)

•  Reduce and gradually eliminate self-defeating

feelings and behaviors (e.g., shame, guilt, poor medication management).

Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Introduction

Goals of Treatment

Limitations

Conclusions

References

•  The integration of effective mental health interventions in correctional settings is needed, as they would help address psychological, emotional, and behavioral needs of offenders.

•  Research has found that drug offenders would

benefit from learning skills through cognitive behavioral approaches because such skills have been proven to remain after treatment.

•  Several studies have demonstrated the

effectiveness of CBT in the treatment of substance use disorders.

•  Despite the limitations of CBT, its effectiveness in modifying antisocial and criminal behaviors and reducing substance abuse outweighs any limitations.

•  Additional research will help support its applicability in correctional settings and in the prevention of future drug-related crimes.

Bahr, S. J., Masters, A. L., & Taylor, B. M. (2012). What works in substance abuse treatment programs for offenders? The Prison Journal, 92(2), 155-174. doi:10.1177/0032885512438836 Blevins, K. R., Kuhns, J. B., & Lee, S. Z. (2012) Understanding decisions to burglarize from the offender’s perspective. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology. Retrieved from: http://airef.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BurglarSurveyStudyFinalReport.pdf Cesaroni, C., & Peterson-Badali, M. (2010). Understanding the adjustment of incarcerated young offenders: A Canadian example. Youth Justice, 10(2), 107-125. doi:10.1177/1473225410369290 Clark, P (2010). Preventing future crime with cognitive behavioral therapy. National Institute of Justice. Retrieved from: http://www.nij.gov/journals/265/pages/therapy.aspx Easton, C. J., Mandel, D. L., Hunkele, K. A., Nich, C., Rounsaville, B. J., & Carroll, K. M. (2007). A cognitive behavioral therapy for alcohol-dependent domestic violence offenders: An integrated substance abuse-domestic violence treatment approach (SADV). American Journal on Addictions, 16(1), 24-31. Roes, N. A. (2011). Understand the limits of CBT. Addiction Professional. Retrieved from: http://www.addictionpro.com/article/understand-limits-cbt Tafrate, R. C., & Mitchell, D. (2014). Forensic CBT: A handbook for clinical practice. Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from: http://site.ebrary.com.fgul.idm.oclc.org/lib/fgils/detail.action?docID=10766998 Taxy, S. J., & Adams, W. (2015). Drug offenders in federal prison: Estimates of characteristics based on linked data. Retrieved from: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/dofp12.pdf

•  Research indicates that CBT promises significant

effectiveness for drug offenders, as it involves learning coping and interpersonal skills as well as cognitive restructuring, which would help offenders overcome vulnerabilities for substance use.

•  Cognitive behavioral therapy utilizes strategies that are

adapted to the needs of the individual (Easton, Mandel, Hunkele, Nich, Rounsaville & Carroll, 2007).

•  Another important component of CBT is the clear

identification of goals and straightforward objectives designed to help the individual replace cognitive distortions fostering antisocial behaviors and use of mood altering substances (Bahr, Masters & Taylor, 2012).

•  Clinicians from all over the world have shown

significant support for the utilization of these strategies with inmates and with those in less controlled settings.

•  CBT puts emphasis on the relationship between

thinking errors and/or negative cognitions and behaviors, which in drug offenders appear as a persistent pattern affecting their abilities to challenge biased interpretations of life or situations.

•  CBT also attempts to enhance motivation for the change

of negative behaviors and self-defeating thoughts (e.g., desire for substance use and/or criminal actions (Tafrate & Mitchell, 2014).

•  Studies have also identified CBT as the go to treatment

for comorbid symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and psychotic features likely exhibited by offenders.

•  CBT seems more effective when participants are motivated and therapy sessions are not mandated.

•  In some cases, cognitive strategies have been

found to exacerbate symptoms, especially if the individual knows what is best, yet is unable to make the best choices (Roes, 2011).

•  Roes (2011) also indicated that CBT has not

been demonstrated to be effective with those with low self-efficacy as the person’s capabilities to motivate or produce effective cognitions is limited.

Scholarly Argument