The Impact of Substance Dependence Programming on Recidivism for Incarcerated Individuals

• In Event: Correctional Practices and (Un)intended Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze overall recidivism and drug-related recidivism among participants of a substance dependence program offered in a medium-level security jail in Massachusetts. The substance dependence program provides intensive psycho-educational and recovery soft-skills to incarcerated persons who meet clinical thresholds of substance dependence or have a history of substance-related offenses. This study conducts a matched analysis of recidivism among program participants compared to those who were recommended to the program but did not participate. Although statistical analyses did not find reductions in overall recidivism rates among the treatment group, findings suggest that participants of the program displayed significantly reduced levels of drug-related recidivism when compared to individuals that did not participate in the program. Further analyses suggest that the participants of the substance dependence program display high-risk characteristics, which may contribute to the lack of reduction in overall recidivism rates. These findings suggest that targeted content of substance dependence programming is effective in reducing recidivism within drug-related offenses. Implications for these findings as applied to jail settings are discussed.

Authors

• Kaylee Dawn Faria, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Nicole Harrington, Hampden County Sheriff’s Office

• Alexandra Nur, University of Nevada, Las Vegas