To enhance the practical knowledge and intervention effectiveness of addiction treatment professionals, Chiayi Prison, Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, held the “Advanced Training Course and Case Seminar for Professionals Handling Drug and Drunk Driving Offenders” on August 8, 2025. The event featured Clinical Psychologist Jiang Chuan-Hsiang, Head of the Health Section at Hualien Prison, who has extensive experience in addiction counseling and treatment, as the keynote speaker. A total of 13 social workers, psychological counselors, and psychologists participated in the training.

The program was structured around the “Twelve Steps” advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), integrating theory and practice to help professionals deepen their understanding of addiction cases and refine intervention techniques.

The process of overcoming addiction is fraught with challenges. Individuals in recovery often face physiological withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependence, and difficulties in social reintegration, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. The Twelve Steps offer a systematic framework for support and personal growth, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their problems, seek assistance from others, and gradually rebuild relationships with family and society. This mutual-help environment fosters motivation and personal responsibility for sustained recovery, thereby increasing the success rate of reintegration into society.

Psychologist Wang, one of the participants, stated that the training and case discussions further strengthened her professional capacity in assessing and intervening in addiction cases, enabling her to address the complex needs of clients more effectively.

Upholding a people-oriented philosophy, Chiayi Prison continues to progressively advance various treatment initiatives and enhance professional capabilities, striving to help more inmates rebuild their lives and embark on the path to recovery. By integrating diverse theories and practical techniques, the institution deepens professionals’ understanding of addiction and psychological challenges, provides dedicated counseling and care, and promotes the successful reintegration of inmates into society—jointly safeguarding social safety and public health while fulfilling the core values of correctional work.