Factors associated with substance use disorder treatment completion: a cross-sectional analysis of justice-involved adolescents
- PMID: 33287838
- PMCID: PMC7722334
- DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00332-z
Factors associated with substance use disorder treatment completion: a cross-sectional analysis of justice-involved adolescents
Abstract
Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among those in the juvenile justice system. SUD treatment programs implemented in correctional settings can prevent overdose and other health-related problems among an underserved health disparity population. However, only a fraction of justice-involved adolescents with SUDs complete a treatment program and the factors associated with treatment completion among adolescents in the criminal justice system have not been thoroughly investigated.
Methods: Using cross-sectional data on 25,587 adolescents from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FLDJJ) who met the criteria for SUD treatment, the study investigated the factors associated with the completion of SUD treatment. Sociodemographic, mental health, and other variables were examined.
Results: Several factors were associated with an increased likelihood of SUD treatment completion: previous participation in treatment programs, prior drug and alcohol education class attendance, and involvement in court-directed programs. Additional factors included multiple incarcerations, and strong financial and support networks.
Conclusions: The strongest factors associated with a higher likelihood of SUD treatment completion among adolescents in the justice system are ones that can be translated into programs and practices. Repeated referrals to treatment, court-directed programs, and strong support networks may yield higher rates of completion.
Keywords: Justice-involved adolescents; Substance misuse; Substance use disorder; Treatment adherence.
Conflict of interest statement
There are no competing interests.
References
-
- Belenko S, Knight D, Wasserman GA, Dennis ML, Wiley T, Taxman FS, et al. The juvenile justice behavioral health services Cascade: a new framework for measuring unmet substance use treatment services needs among adolescent offenders. J Subst Abus Treat. 2017;74:80–91. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.12.012. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
-
- NIH . Addiction and the criminal justice system. 2010.
-
- CDC . Teen Substance Use and Risks. 2019.
-
- Mulvey E, Schubert C, Chaissin L. Substance use and delinquent behavior among serious adolescent offenders. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; 2010.
-
- Wasserman GA, McReynolds LS, Schwalbe CS, Keating JM, Jones SA. Psychiatric disorder, comorbidity, and suicidal behavior in juvenile justice youth. Crim Justice Behav. 2010;37(12):1361–1376. doi: 10.1177/0093854810382751. - DOI
Publication types
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical