Article contributed by Tessa Chaderton-Shaw, Manager, 
National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) of Barbados
http://www.ncsa.org.bb

The task of rehabilitating inmates of Glendariry Prison with drug problems just prior to their re-entry into society falls to Inmate Drug Rehabilitation and counseling Coordinator, Cephus Sealy.  He is based at the prison and works with both males and female inmates, and has also conducted education and assessment programs with the younger inmates at the Government Industrial Schools at Dodds and Summervale.

The prison program has four components, namely education, treatment, pre-release counseling and individual counseling.  Inmates enter the program shortly before completing their sentences, sot that they will be better integrated into the society on their release. Individual counseling is also provided for inmates who may not be able to function within this group setting for various reasons. 

On completion of the program, "all inmates are encouraged to connect with community-based agencies to help them continue their journey on a drug-free or harm-reduction lifestyle, where they are better informed on the effects of drugs on the human psyche." 

Cephus said inmates have responded well to the program, and "at no time since the program recommenced in June has any inmate wanted to leave the class when it is finished; the program normally runs from 8:45 to 11:15, but I am there sometimes until 12 o'clock because they are so caught up in the topics." 

He said former inmates that took part in the program were satisfied with it and some had gone on to further treatment on their release, and that a high number of current inmates were signing up to get involved in the program. 

Prison Drug Rehabilitative Services

The Inmate Drug Rehabilitation and Counseling Program (IDRC) is a structured program that is designed to facilitate the provision of professional drug rehabilitation in our correctional facilities (namely Glendairy Prisons and in time the Government Industrial Schools). 

Inmates are exposed to concepts of addiction; encouraged to perform self-assessments, and deal with relapse prevention issues as they gain greater insight of their drug involvement.  It further seeks to empower inmates to look at the cost of their drug use/abuse or other kinds of involvement.

A focus on spirituality and the 12-step recovery model (used in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) are central components of the program, used to assist inmates in achieving their desired goals.  The program included education, treatment, counseling and pre-release groups.

In addition, there is a strong focus on ensuring that all participants are referred to appropriate community resources in an effort to reduce recidivism.

Versión en español