Factors Reducing Recidivism in Paroled Stimulant Drug Offenders

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Abstract

We examined factors that reduce recidivism among stimulant drug offenders. Japan’s parole officers have implemented voluntary drug tests (VDTs) in treatment programs for stimulant drug offenders since 2004 and compulsory cognitive-behavioral treatment programs (CBTP) since 2008. The participants are Japanese stimulant offenders placed on parole in 2007 (n = 1,009) and 2009 (n = 959), serving parole periods of more than six months. The 2007 offender group did not attend CBTP while the 2009 offender group did. The two groups were followed for five years post-parole. This study used independent variables such as previous number of prison sentences and CBTP attendance. Data of whether the offenders undertook VDTs signified an index of their motivation. The drug recidivism rate was 32%. A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that offenders participating in VDTs had significantly longer survival rates than those who did not (p = .008). A Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of prison sentences (p < .001), previous juvenile protective measures (p < .001), mental problems (p = .003), and not undergoing VDTs (p = .01) were independent risk factors for stimulant recidivism. The AUC was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.80–0.85).

Authors

• Kyoko Hazama, Chiba University

• Satoshi Katsuta, Japanese Ministry of Justice

• Keiko Nishi, Chiba Classification Home