NCJ Number
187386
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 32 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 167-180
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The intent of the authors was to create an effective screening tool for probation officers to use in the field in order to assess client risk for substance abuse and to quickly intervene by bringing triggers into conscious awareness.
Abstract
The questionnaire, referred to as the Relapse Screening Questionnaire (RSQ), was developed to identify high risk situations that may lead to relapse among clients on probation and to identify risk levels of clients and orient them toward cognitive-based therapy techniques used by supervising probation officers. The RSQ, composed of statements aimed at identifying 9 internal and 14 external cues that may trigger relapse, was pilot tested on a group of 27 male offenders on intensive probation in a small southwestern U.S. city. Each of the subjects had a history of drug abuse, and the average education level was 10.5 years. Results showed subjects identified by the RSQ as being at severe risk were more likely to relapse than those not so identified. No subject identified in the lower risk categories relapsed during the 2-month period following the pilot study, while 33 percent identified as being at severe risk relapsed during the 2 months following the pilot study. Chi-square analysis indicated these findings were significant. The authors believe the findings support the need for substance abusing offenders to be trained to monitor their thoughts and feelings as well as their behaviors. 22 references and 5 tables