During- and post-program Recidivism for a Drug Court Targeted at Heroin Abusers

• In Event: The Intersection of Public Policy and Service Needs Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Drug courts are well-positioned to make a difference in the recent opioid crisis that is gripping parts of the nation, and more research on heroin abusers in drug courts is needed. Data were collected from a serial admission cohort of 56 participants to a drug court developed specifically for heroin abusers. Data included background, criminal history, program contact, and recidivism indicators coded from court records. Findings showed an increased likelihood of re-arrest while a program participant was related to prior arrests for a drugs and drug paraphernalia and being on psychiatric medication; but, having children or a history of suicide ideation reduced this chance. An increased probability of being re-arrested within one year of drug court discharge was related to higher marijuana use prior to drug court, depression, and psychiatric medication. Anxiety and having children was related to a lower propensity for re-arrest. Re-arrest within two years of discharge was positively associated with prior arrests for disorderly conduct, self-help group participation, and psychiatric medication. Absent a control group, the current study does not address the effectiveness of drug court for heroin abusers. It does, however, identify some predictors that may offer insight into areas that may contribute to recidivism.

Authors

• Matthew Hiller, Temple University/Department of Criminal Justice

• Christine Saum, Rowan University