NCJ Number
205405
Date Published
2004
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines common referral schemes for drug involved offenders in the United Kingdom and reviews forensic perspectives on the treatment of substance addiction.
Abstract
The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) includes a chapter on a range of substances that, when abused, can lead to persistent or recurrent physiological and psychological problems. The prevalence of the use of alcohol and other substances within the British adult population, as well as the inmate population, is reviewed. Substance misuse intervention schemes generally operate at the level of prevention, detection, and rehabilitation. The chapter turns to an examination of the process and participants of the current Drug Arrest Referral Scheme in the United Kingdom, which was designed to encourage arrested drug users to seek assessment and treatment services for their drug problems. Previous research has identified three different types of drug arrest referral models: information model, pro-active model, and incentive model. Most previous arrest schemes in the United Kingdom have adopted a pro-active model, however North Yorkshire developed an incentive approach, which is described here. By capitalizing on the concept of bail, drug involved arrestees are given the opportunity to be released from custodial custody for 28 days while awaiting trial in order to seek treatment for their drug problem. The scheme is voluntary and those who refuse to take part are not sanctioned for their decision. Finally, the authors review the three intervention approaches to substance abuse treatment that are currently available in the United Kingdom. The range of treatment models includes an Alcoholics Anonymous model in which drug abuse is thought of as a pre-existing physical abnormality. A second approach to treatment views harm reduction as the main goal of treatment and seeks to reduce risk by reducing intake of the drug or switching to another drug with less harmful repercussions. The third treatment model understands drug misuse as a pattern of maladaptive coping and utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach to reduce maladaptive coping. Outcome findings in terms of the effectiveness of each approach are analyzed; findings from the United Kingdom and the United States have been positive toward court-based referral to compulsory treatment. While links between drug abuse and criminal behavior still need to be examined, it seems clear that drug referral schemes for drug involved offenders is an important intervention opportunity that has met with some success. References