New drug programme for Auckland inmates

A group of Auckland Prison inmates have this week started a three-month intensive substance abuse programme in a new drug treatment unit.

The unit, the first of its kind in greater Auckland, will not be officially opened until November 5.

"Ultimately, prisoners who succeed on this programme will have a reduced likelihood of reoffending, making our communities safer," Prison Services assistant general manager Brendan Anstiss said.

"The continued misuse of drugs and alcohol by offenders undermines the integrity of their sentences and compromises their ability to make positive changes in their lives. Ongoing abuse of substances also increases the chances that they will reoffend after leaving prison."

In 2007, seven out of 10 offenders were under the influence of drugs leading up to their arrest, Dr Anstiss said.

The programme, run by clinical staff from Odyssey House Auckland Trust, would target prisoners serving sentences of between four and 12 months.

Odyssey House Auckland chief executive Christine Kalin said prisoners would have to acknowledge their problem before being admitted into the programme.

"The unit will operate as a therapeutic community within the prison environment. It is not directed at substance abuse in isolation, but considers the whole person. Social, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive problems often precede drug use and are made worse by continued drug abuse," she said.

"The treatment aims to instil maturity and appropriate values in a person, and help them to maintain a responsible drug-free lifestyle.

"Prisoners develop a comprehensive relapse prevention plan during treatment to assist their release from prison."

- NZPA