Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - A Research-Based Guide
- Principles
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Why do people involved in the criminal justice system continue abusing drugs?
- Why should drug abuse treatment be provided to offenders?
- How effective is drug abuse treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals?
- Are all drug abusers in the criminal justice system good candidates for treatment?
- Is legally mandated treatment effective?
- Are relapse risk factors different in offender populations? How should drug abuse treatment deal with these risk factors?
- What treatment and other health services should be provided to drug abusers involved with the criminal justice system?
- How long should drug abuse treatment last for individuals involved in the criminal justice system?
- How can rewards and sanctions be used effectively with drug-involved offenders in treatment?
- What is the role of medications in treating substance abusing offenders?
- How can the criminal justice and drug abuse treatment systems reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases among drug abusing offenders?
- What works for offenders with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders?
- Is providing drug abuse treatment to offenders worth the financial investment?
- What are the unique treatment needs for women in the criminal justice system?
- What are the unique treatment needs of juveniles in the criminal justice system?
- Resources
- References
Is legally mandated treatment effective?
Often, the criminal justice system can apply legal pressure to encourage offenders to participate in drug abuse treatment; or treatment can be mandated through a drug court or as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole. A large percentage of those admitted to drug abuse treatment cite legal pressure as an important reason for seeking treatment. Most studies suggest that outcomes for those who are legally pressured to enter treatment are as good as or better than outcomes for those who entered treatment without legal pressure. Individuals under legal pressure also tend to have higher attendance rates and remain in treatment for longer periods, which can also have a positive impact on treatment outcomes.
This page was last updated January 2012.
Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.
External link, please review our disclaimer.
External link, please review our disclaimer.
External link, please review our disclaimer.




