NIJ's Drugs and Crime Research Program

Finding out what works. NIJ evaluates national, state, and local drug intervention programs, including treatment in prisons and drug court programs. Recent findings point to progress; comprehensive, well-structured prison-based, reentry, and drug court programs can reduce imprisonment and recidivism.

For example, an evaluation of an innovative drug intervention known as “Breaking the Cycle” found that the program’s coordinated case management approach is effective. Read the 2003 Evaluation.

NIJ researchers also have examined drug addiction treatment specifically designed for female inmates, who have different treatment needs than men. Programs that take this into account are more successful in helping women reenter society. Read an NIJ Journal article about this research.

Drug courts are promising.  More than 1,600 drug courts now operate across the nation; a recent NIJ study confirmed that they reduce recidivism and costs. Proper assessment and treatment of the drug problem and close involvement of the judge both increase the success of the programs. Read the 2006 report Drug Courts: The Second Decade.