Abstract
Chemical abuse is a major social problem that is reflected within the U.S. federal correctional system. National awareness has focused on treating the chemical abuser, but rather less attention has been paid to the rehabilitation of the incarcerated abuser. Relatively few studies have examined personality correlates of individuals related to severity of chemical use. This study attempted to address this issue within a prison population. Seventy-eight inmates were differentiated on the basis of their level of need for chemical abuse treatment. Each subject's severity of chemical use was assessed, and treatment need level was assigned: no need, mild need, moderate need, full need--each succeeding level requiring progressively more components. The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) was administered to each subject upon arrival at the Federal Correctional Institution and upon completion of the specified level of the Chemical Abuse Treatment Program. Results of the pre-test indicated that although the No Need group responded in a significantly healthier direction on several of the scales than did the Full Need group, no characteristic personality patterns differentiated the four groups. Examination of the post-test results revealed positive personality changes in each group. However, the pattern of change was not significantly different among the four groups, and the severity of chemical use did not reliably correspond to amount of personality change post-treatment.
Harsha-Hallett, Brenda (1988). Analysis of an institutional treatment program for chemical abuse. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -783934.