NCJ Number
28085
Date Published
1973
Length
68 pages
Annotation
EVALUATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PROGRAM TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER METHADONE TREATMENT CAN BE USED AS A REHABILITATIVE AID FOR PAROLEES AND OUTPATIENTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.
Abstract
THE EVALUATION WAS UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE IF THE PROGRAM IS AN EFFECTIVE AID IN THE REDUCTION OF ARRESTS, DRUG USE, AND UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG CALIFORNIA'S HARD-CORE HEROIN ADDICTS. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRAM IS MADE BY CONSTRUCTING A BEFORE-AFTER MODEL ASSESSING EMPLOYMENT, CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, AND CESSATION OF DRUG USE VARIABLES OF ACTIVE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS. THE RESULTS OF THIS MODEL ARE COMPARED WITH THOSE OF A BEFORE-AFTER MODEL MEASURING THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OF ACTIVE AND TERMINATED PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND WAITING LIST PEOPLE. PAROLEES AND OUTPATIENTS IN THE STATE PROGRAM WERE ALSO COMPARED WITH PARTICIPANTS IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM WITH RESPECT TO CRIMINAL INVOLVEMENT AND DRUG USE. THE RESULTS REVEAL THAT CALIFORNIA'S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OPERATES A METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM THAT COMPARES FAVORABLY WITH ANY WELL-OPERATED PROGRAM OF A SIMILAR NATURE IN THE COUNTRY.