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Comparing outcomes of ‘voluntary’ and ‘quasi-compulsory’ treatment of substance dependence in Europe

Schaub, Michael, Stevens, Alex, Berto, Daniele, Hunt, Neil, Kerschl, Viktoria, McSweeney, Tim, Oeuvray, Kerrie, Puppo, Irene, Santa Maria, Alberto, Trinkl, Barbara, and others. (2010) Comparing outcomes of ‘voluntary’ and ‘quasi-compulsory’ treatment of substance dependence in Europe. European Addiction Research, 16 (1). pp. 53-60. ISSN 1022-6877. (doi:10.1159/000265938) (KAR id:29909)

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluates quasi-compulsory drug treatment

(QCT) arrangements for substance-dependent offenders receiving

treatment instead of imprisonment in comparison to

voluntary treatment within five European countries. Methods:

Participants were interviewed with the European Addiction

Severity Index, the ASI-crime module, questions on

perception of pressure and self-efficacy, and the Readinessto-

Change Questionnaire at treatment entry and after 6, 12,

and 18 months. Results: Reductions in substance use and

crime as well as improvements in health and social integration

were observed in QCT and voluntary treatment groups.

After controlling for various factors, subjects in the QCT and

the comparison group showed similar reductions in substance use and crime over time. Study retention was comparable

in both groups. Conclusion: QCT is as effective as voluntary

treatment provided in the same services in reducing

substance use and crime.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1159/000265938
Uncontrolled keywords: Quasi-compulsory drug treatment; Substance-dependent offenders; European Addiction Severity Index; ASI-crime module; Readiness-to-Change Questionnaire; Last observation carried forward method
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV5800 Drug habits and abuse
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Taryn Duhig
Date Deposited: 18 Jul 2012 13:14 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/29909 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Stevens, Alex.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4878-3871
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Hunt, Neil.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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