NCJ Number
197944
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 23-41
Date Published
2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article discusses an experimental specialized treatment program for criminalized addicts.
Abstract
Evaluating an experimental specialized treatment program for 119 criminalized addicts is the focus of this journal article. Following a brief discussion of previous research focused on the impact of treatment programs implemented for substance-criminalized addicts, the authors propose hypotheses to be tested by this research. After hypothesizing that the criminalized addict clientele would benefit from treatments seeking to improve their spheres of life while promoting motivational group work, this article describes the evaluated treatment programs considered in this study. Following descriptions of the 149 criminalized addict research subjects admitted to the experimental procedure and used as a comparison group, the authors detail how both groups were contacted at 5-, 8-, and 11-month intervals following the onset of the treatment process. Results indicate that both the 119 criminalized addicts admitted to the experimental procedure and the 30 individuals admitted to the comparison group improved their situations. Furthermore, while the 30 individuals admitted to the unspecialized treatment program showed quicker improvements, the 119 clients referred to the specialized treatment facility improved equally, with additional time in the experimental treatment program. The authors conclude that matching criminalized addicts to specialized treatment programs improves the chances that these individuals will receive adequate and specific treatments for their addictions. Tables, notes, references