Identifying predictors of treatment outcome in a drug court program

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2005;31(4):641-56. doi: 10.1081/ada-200068428.

Abstract

Drug courts are popular for dealing with drug-abusing offenders. However, relatively little is known about participant characteristics that reliably predict either success or failure in these treatment settings. In this article, we report on 99 individuals who were enrolled in a drug court program (approximately one-half of whom successfully completed the program). Using, logistic regression techniques we identified 2 significant predictors of outcome. First, individuals who were employed at the time of their enrollment into the drug court program were more likely to successfully complete the treatment program. Second, individuals with a history of illicit intravenous drug use were less likely to complete the program.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States