Books and journals Case studies Expert Briefings Open Access
Advanced search

Doing time on a TC: how effective are drug-free therapeutic communities in prison? A review of the literature

Laura Aslan (Department of Psychology, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Macclesfield, UK)

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities

ISSN: 0964-1866

Publication date: 9 April 2018

Abstract

Purpose

Therapeutic communities (TC’s) are consciously designed, living-learning environments designed to evoke social, psychological and behavioural change. The success of the residential TC model saw these community-led, self-help environments for addicts move into custodial settings and early evidence suggests this transition was effective. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence relevant to the effectiveness of prison based, drug-free TCs.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to establish their true efficiency, particular focus has been placed on studies conducted over the last ten years (2007-2017).

Findings

To date, the TC remains superior to other forms of drug treatment in reducing recidivism and drug relapse amongst addicts who offend.

Originality/value

Outcomes of this review highlighted the importance of aftercare in providing transitional support; a fundamental aspect of treatment necessary for success and for maintaining long-term recovery post release.

Keywords

  • Effectiveness
  • Therapeutic communities
  • Prison
  • Evidence
  • Recidivism
  • Drug

Citation

Aslan, L. (2018), "Doing time on a TC: how effective are drug-free therapeutic communities in prison? A review of the literature", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 39 No. 1, pp. 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-10-2017-0028

Download as .RIS

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

Please note you do not have access to teaching notes

You may be able to access teaching notes by logging in via Shibboleth, Open Athens or with your Emerald account.
Login
If you think you should have access to this content, click the button to contact our support team.
Contact us

To read the full version of this content please select one of the options below

You may be able to access this content by logging in via Shibboleth, Open Athens or with your Emerald account.
Login
To rent this content from Deepdyve, please click the button.
Rent from Deepdyve
If you think you should have access to this content, click the button to contact our support team.
Contact us
Emerald Publishing
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
© 2021 Emerald Publishing Limited

Services

  • Authors Opens in new window
  • Editors Opens in new window
  • Librarians Opens in new window
  • Researchers Opens in new window
  • Reviewers Opens in new window

About

  • About Emerald Opens in new window
  • Working for Emerald Opens in new window
  • Contact us Opens in new window
  • Publication sitemap

Policies and information

  • Privacy notice
  • Site policies
  • Modern Slavery Act Opens in new window
  • Chair of Trustees governance statement Opens in new window
  • COVID-19 policy Opens in new window
Manage cookies

We’re listening — tell us what you think

  • Something didn’t work…

    Report bugs here

  • All feedback is valuable

    Please share your general feedback

  • Member of Emerald Engage?

    You can join in the discussion by joining the community or logging in here.
    You can also find out more about Emerald Engage.

Join us on our journey

  • Platform update page

    Visit emeraldpublishing.com/platformupdate to discover the latest news and updates

  • Questions & More Information

    Answers to the most commonly asked questions here