The Impact of a Novel In-Detention Substance Use Treatment on Women's Recidivism and Self-Concept

• In Event: Drug Treatment, Program Effectiveness, and Predictive Analytics

Abstract

Between the 1960s and early 2000s, the United States’ overall population increased by approximately 40%, while its incarcerated population increased by almost 500%. This increase in the incarcerated population was particularly prevalent in the U.S.’s jail population. Incarcerated women now make up approximately 15% of local jail populations, with almost a quarter of incarcerated women convicted of drug charges, a percentage more than double that of their male counterparts. Our research is focused on a novel substance use program for incarcerated women in the Midwestern United States. This program includes a mandatory 6-month incarceration, followed by two years of post-incarceration support. Our research includes interview data from 48 women during three separate sections of the program, letters written by the women at each of the program’s time points, and recidivism data after 12 months. Results indicate a stark change in how the women view themselves as they move throughout the program. Additionally, recidivism data from the women suggest comparable rates to women in other SUD programs, and well below the national average for those sentenced for drug-related offenses. Our results provide additional evidence for the need for alternative support for substance users beyond the punishment of the criminal justice system.

Authors

• Clay Driscoll, University of Cincinnati

• Carlos Munoz-Serna, University of Cincinnati

• Stacie Furst-Halloway, University of Cincinnati

• Valerie Hardcastle, Northern Kentucky University

• Joveria Baloch, Northern Kentucky University

• Katherine Baltrusch, University of Cincinnati

• Eleanor Bicknell, University of Cincinnati

• Emma Hargis, University of Cincinnati