Substance Abuse Counseling and In-Jail Drug Treatment

The jail is an excellent, cost-effective point to intervene in a root cause of crime.  NCSL provides State certified drug and alcohol counseling in San Francisco Jail. 

Treatment works.   Success rates are high, and results are cost-effective.   A 1995 study by the Rand Corporation for the California State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs found that every dollar spent in drug treatment saves society seven dollars in crime, police and courts, and health services.

70% of jail inmates are addicted to alcohol and other drugs, and, without intervention, over 80% will be re-arrested and back in jail within one year.   They have been arrested (and re-arrested) because of overt drug-related activities (sales/possession), because they commit other crimes (such as burglary, auto theft, and shoplifting) to obtain money for drugs, or they perpetrate drug-induced assault or domestic violence.   Psychiatric disorders ("dual diagnosis") are also involved for some 20% of inmates.

NCSL addresses this root cause of crime in perhaps the most cost-effective means possible: in-jail intervention using a spectrum of modalities. Trained staff and volunteers provide education on addiction and recovery, individual and group counseling, Life Skills classes, parenting groups, anger management groups, and relapse prevention groups.   In groups, inmates learn from experienced facilitators and from each other.

An important element in recovery for offenders and ex-offenders is the respectful attitude with which staff and inmates listen to each other and offer alternatives for each inmate's own decision and commitment.   In this way, each inmate begins to accept the reality of his/her innate self worth, and to assume personal responsibility for his/her process of recovery, including essential post-release aftercare and transitional support. 

Substance abuse counseling is also provided at NCSL's Post-Release office to support ex-offenders in making a successful reentry to society.

If you would like to volunteer  in this vital program, please e-mail us, or call our Pre-Release Administrator at (415)552-9250.