Addiction Severity Index Scores and Urine Drug Screens at Baseline as Predictors of Graduation From Drug Court

Abstract

Graduation rates from drug courts are impressive and are often attributed to the delivered treatments. However, it is unclear whether graduation rates are bolstered by low severity of drug use problems upon entry into drug court. To address this question, this study examined the relationship between baseline substance use severity and graduation rates among 251 drug court clients. Results revealed that participants with subthreshold drug composite scores on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) were significantly more likely to graduate than those scoring in the mild-to-moderate or severe range. Furthermore, results revealed that participants who provided a drug-negative baseline urine were significantly more likely to graduate than those who provided a drug-positive baseline urine. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that ASI drug composite score, urine screen, race, and years educated were statistically significant predictors of drug court graduation.

Examining Contextual Differences in Participant Characteristics and During-Program Occurrences With Drug Court Program Completion

“…This finding is consistent with past literature suggesting the importance of education for drug court completion. Based on the existing literature, having a higher level of education (Brown, 2010;DeVall & Lanier, 2012;Fulkerson et al, 2012;Hartley & Phillips, 2001;Howard, 2016;Shah et al, 2013) has been associated with better drug court program outcomes. Specifically, Shah and colleagues (2013) showed for each additional year of education, the participant was 1.4 times more likely to graduate.…”

Initial abstinence status and contingency management treatment outcomes: Does race matter?

“…Negative urine screens at baseline are indicative of a good prognosis in treatment overall (Shah et al, 2013; Sofuoglu, Gonzalez, Poling, & Kosten, 2003) and in predominately African American samples as well (Petry, Rash, & Easton, 2011; Tzilos, Rhodes, Ledgerwood, & Greenwald, 2009). However, the current study found differential outcomes in baseline urine results and treatment outcomes by treatment type and race.…”

Initial abstinence status and Contingency Management treatment outcomes: Does race matter?

“…Consistent with existing literature (Ahmadi et al, 2009), individuals with a negative urine sample at treatment initiation remain in treatment longer and achieve more abstinence than those who enter treatment with a positive sample. Negative urine screens at baseline are indicative of a good prognosis in treatment overall (Shah et al, 2013;Sofuoglu, Gonzalez, Poling, & Kosten, 2003) and in predominately African American samples as well (Petry, Rash, & Easton, 2011;Tzilos, Rhodes, Ledgerwood, & Greenwald, 2009). However, the current study found differential outcomes in baseline urine results and treatment outcomes by treatment type and race.…”