Reimagining rehabilitation: addressing basic needs and substance use in prison environments for the common good

The purpose of this study is to reinforce the importance of rehabilitation, which is considered to be one of the key elements in the correctional environment that deters crime and reduces the rates of recidivism. Although rehabilitation efforts, such as substance use treatment, have benefits, the condition of the prison environment, specifically the lack of basic needs, can thwart the efforts of the rehabilitative process. This study builds upon previous research to propose institutional adjustments to the incarceration environment to better support rehabilitation.

This study builds upon the implications of a previously conducted qualitative case study that used semi-structured individual interviews, a focus group and site observations at a Louisiana facility to explore five incarcerated individuals' access to the five basic needs and uncover barriers to self-actualization while in substance use treatment programs. The findings were leveraged to determine best practices for creating an environment more conducive to rehabilitation and treatment.

This study argues for three actionable changes to the Department of Corrections system that can support rehabilitation efforts more effectively: improvements in meeting one of humanity's most essential needs - adequate and nutritious food, initiatives to improve incarcerated individuals' sense of safety and enhanced correctional officer training.

The environment in which substance use treatment is administered has the potential to be beneficial or detrimental to the rehabilitative process. Providing correctional institutions with the knowledge necessary to confront hindrances to successful treatment has the potential to change the trajectory of rehabilitative efforts and recidivism.