Assessing the Temporal Stability of Drug-using Classifications: An Examination of Washington, DC Arrestees Between 1990 and 1997

• NCJ Number: 187244
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2001 Pages: 21-30
• Author(s): George S. Yacoubian Jr.
• Editor(s): Kent B. Joscelyn
• Date Published: February 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study surveyed arrestees from Washington, D.C. to examine the drug-using population’s varying characteristics to determine the extent to which these distinctions remain constant over time to evaluate the success of drug treatment programs.

Abstract

While it has been well established that drug addicts possess varying characteristics, the extent to which these distinctions remain constant over time remains undetermined. If successful drug treatment programs are to be developed and maintained, it is imperative that they be tailored to the changing needs of a jurisdictional population. In the study, 10,022 Washington, D.C. arrestees surveyed through the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program between 1990 and 1997 were examined. The findings suggest that treatment alternatives should be re-evaluated regularly to ensure quality care to drug addicts. As the needs of drug addicts change over time, treatment providers should adjust their services accordingly. The periodic examination of drug use classifications is useful not only for rehabilitative purposes, but also for law enforcement efforts, such as refocusing anti-drug resources. If rehabilitation is to be successful, treatment providers must be aware of the temporal changes that will likely saturate the drug using classification network. References