Does Drug Testing Deter Drug Court Participants From Using Drugs or Alcohol?

• NCJ Number: 231849
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 49 Issue: 6 Dated: August-September 2010 Pages: 434-444
• Author(s): Christine B. Kleinpeter; Jo Brocato; Jeffrey J. Koob
• Date Published: August 2010
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-DC-BX-0005
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined and evaluated three drug-testing strategies implemented in five jurisdictions with drug courts in Orange County, CA.

Abstract

This study evaluates three drug-testing strategies implemented in five different jurisdictions with drug courts in Orange County, CA. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the sweat patch acts as a deterrent and under what conditions it can be used to improve outcomes. Results indicated that although the use of the sweat patch did not result in statistically significant higher retention or graduation rates, it was perceived to be equal to the use of urine analysis in deterrent effect. The effectiveness of testing as a deterrent for drug use will likely depend on the scheduled administration of the tests and the immediacy of rewards and sanctions for participants. Table, figure, and references (Published Abstract)