Alcohol and drug treatments in Australian correctional services.

A comprehensive literature review on the subject of drug and alcohol treatments in correctional services reveals the size of the drug and alcohol problem within the prison population and reconfirms the positive correlation between drugs, alcohol and criminal activity. Disturbingly few comprehensive ongoing assessment and treatment services are available for the prison population. Special drug and alcohol-related issues such as HIV and hepatitis B infection, and high drug-related post-release prisoner mortality rates demand an urgent review of the policies and procedures concerning the assessment and treatment of drug and alcohol problems in correctional facilities.