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Gender differences in outcomes from prison-based residential treatment
Bernadette M M Pelissier1, Scott D Camp, Gerald G Gaes
1Federal Bureau of Prisons, Research Department, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 1000, Butner, NC 27509, USA. bpelissier@bop.gov
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|May 15, 2003
Summary
Despite facing more life challenges, incarcerated women demonstrated lower recidivism and drug use rates post-release compared to men. Prison-based substance abuse treatment improved outcomes for both genders, indicating potential gender-specific recovery pathways.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Incarcerated individuals often struggle with substance abuse and face significant challenges upon release.
- Understanding gender differences in treatment effectiveness and post-release outcomes is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research has not fully explored gender-specific factors influencing recovery among drug-using offenders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine gender similarities and differences in background characteristics among incarcerated drug-using offenders.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of prison-based substance abuse treatment programs.
- To identify predictors of post-release outcomes, including recidivism and drug use, for both men and women.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a multi-site evaluation of prison-based substance abuse treatment programs.
- Inclusion of 1,842 male and 473 female subjects in treatment and comparison groups.
- Three-year follow-up data analyzed using survival analysis methods for recidivism and post-release drug use.
Main Results:
- Women reported more life problems but exhibited lower three-year recidivism rates and post-release drug use compared to men.
- Treated subjects, both male and female, demonstrated longer survival times (reduced recidivism/drug use) than untreated subjects.
- Similarities and differences were observed in gender-related predictors for post-release outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Gender plays a significant role in the recovery process for incarcerated drug-using offenders.
- Differences in background characteristics and outcome predictors suggest gender-specific recovery pathways.
- Evidence supports the effectiveness of prison-based substance abuse treatment for both men and women, with potential for gender-tailored approaches.