Correctional Service of Canada's Addictions Research Centre
2005
ISBN: 0-662-69408-2
Cat. No.: H128-1/05-443-14
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 (749K)
Canada's Drug Strategy is the federal response to the harmful use of substances. These include illegal drugs, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, inhalants and solvents. The Strategy takes a balanced approach to reducing both the demand for, and the supply of, drugs and substances. It contributes to a healthier, safer Canada through prevention, treatment, enforcement, and harm reduction initiatives.
Understanding and Acting
Research and monitoring activities are critical to understanding the nature and scope of substance abuse problems in Canada. Substance abuse is a costly and devastating health problem and a threat to the safety of our communities.
Approximately 80% of offenders have abused alcohol and/or drugs, and 21% of offenders admitted to federal prisons have at least one drug-related conviction. A number of studies have shown a clear relationship between substance abuse, past criminal behaviour, and the risk of future criminal behaviour. This risk increases dramatically with the severity of the offender's substance abuse problems.
To better understand and address substance abuse among offenders, the Correctional Service of Canada established the Addictions Research Centre in April 2000. The Centre has a mandate to encourage and stimulate addictions research in the criminal justice system and to develop a co-ordinated program of applied research activity across jurisdictions. Specifically, the Addictions Research Centre aims to:
- meet the applied research needs of the Correctional Service of Canada in setting policy, programming, and management practices;
- promote research in addictions and corrections;
- provide a location for internationally-recognized researchers to conduct their work;
- build co-operative and complementary relationships with partners; and
- provide research training and development.
Activities at the Centre are organized around four key areas: program development, program research, assessment and measurement and knowledge sharing. Recent initiatives include:
- development of a new Woman Offenders Substance Abuse Program
- development of the Aboriginal Substance Abuse Program
- studies on the National Substance Abuse Program and Intensive Support Units
- impact assessment of the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program
- research on the level of FASD within the offender population and screening tool
- partnership with provincial correctional system to develop new approaches to the treatment of substance abuse
Canada enjoys a reputation among its international partners as a leader in the field of addictions research and program development in the correctional environment. The Addictions Research Centre is just one of the many Correctional Service of Canada measures directed at reducing the supply of, and demand for, drugs among offenders.
More information on Addictions Research within the CSC is available at
 http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rsrch/addictions/index_e.shtml
To learn more about Canada's Drug Strategy, please visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cds
Find out what governments, non-governmental organizations, and other partners are doing –National Framework for Action – Visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cds-nfa
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