An Examination of the Relationship between Substance Use Disorders, Specific Criminal Thinking Styles, and Recidivism in a Jail Sample

• In Event: Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Alternatives for Criminal Offender Populations

Abstract

The severity of one's substance use disorder has been found to moderate the recidivism though the role of specific criminal thinking styles remains unknown. This study examines this relationship in terms of specific styles of criminal thinking (i.e. Entitlement, Justification, Power Orientation, Cold Heartedness, Criminal Rationalization, and Personal Irresponsibility) among a group of offenders. Using a jail sample (N=505), we assess the relationship between substance use disorders, specific criminal thinking styles, and recidivism in a sample of inmates participating in a drug treatment program (N=302) and inmates in the general population (N=203). Results and policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Laura Lutgen, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Wendy P. Guastaferro, John Jay College of Criminal Justice