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Psychology and Law
2026. Vol. 16, no. 1, 185–202
doi:10.17759/psylaw.2026160112
ISSN: 2222-5196 (online)

Therapeutic communities for people with addictive disorders in prison settings: an analytical review

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. Addictive disorders represent a serious problem in the penitentiary system, where up to 67% of convicts suffer from substance use disorders. Traditional rehabilitation programs are characterized by fragmentation, personnel shortages and short-term interventions, which limits their effectiveness. Objective. To substantiate therapeutic communities as a scientific and practical alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs in places of deprivation of liberty. Hypothesis. The synthesis of group dynamics, digital technologies and interdepartmental interaction implemented in therapeutic communities is capable of transforming penitentiary rehabilitation into a highly effective tool for improving quality of life, increasing resocialization rates of convicts and enhancing social security. Methods and materials. An analytical review of scientific literature was conducted. Search and selection of sources was carried out in PubMed, eLibrary and Google Scholar databases using key queries: “therapeutic communities”, “addiction rehabilitation”, “resocialization of convicts”. Peer-reviewed articles, monographs, government reports (FSIN of Russia, MVD, WHO) and clinical guidelines were included. Results. Therapeutic communities demonstrate a 45-50% reduction in recidivism and a two-thirds reduction in psychoactive substance use. Program duration of 12-18 months corresponds to neurobiological data on the time required to rebuild maladaptive neural networks. The economic efficiency of the method is 7:1 (return on investment). Conclusions. Therapeutic communities represent a scientifically based multidisciplinary rehabilitation model that integrates the principles of activity theory, social philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Key advantages include the synergy of a structured immersive environment and group dynamics, as well as the ability to scale through digital platforms.

General Information

Keywords: therapeutic communities, penitentiary system, addiction rehabilitation, resocialization of convicts, group dynamics

Journal rubric: Interdisciplinary Studies

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160112

Funding. therapeutic communities; penitentiary system; addiction rehabilitation; resocialization of convicts; group dynamics

Received 29.01.2025

Revised 25.02.2026

Accepted

Published

For citation: Iskandarov, R.R., Bovin, B.G. (2026). Therapeutic communities for people with addictive disorders in prison settings: an analytical review. Psychology and Law, 16(1), 185–202. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026160112

© Iskandarov R.R., Bovin B.G., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Robert R. Iskandarov, Candidate of Science (Medicine), Senior Researcher, Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7277-7693, e-mail: dr.iskandarov@inbox.ru

Boris G. Bovin, Candidate of Science (Psychology), Docent, Leading Researcher, Federal State Institution Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9255-7372, e-mail: bovinbg@yandex.ru

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