Alternative sanctions for drug users: fruitless efforts or miracle solution?

Wree, Eveline De; Pauwels, Lieven; Colman, Charlotte; Ruyver, Brice De

doi:10.1007/s10611-009-9206-0

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Although the importance of drug-related life domains, for example employment and housing, is recognized in the recovery and desistance literature [9–11, 14, 15, 17–19], only a small amount of DTC evaluation studies focusing on these outcomes were found. The lack of empirical data on the effects of DTCs on drug-related life domains might be explained in two ways.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…No information was available regarding the effects of DTCs on housing situation or leisure-time activities, although research shows that moving away from drug-using friends and acquaintances supports the maintenance of abstinence [17] and permanent housing is associated with a reduction in recidivism [14, 15]. In addition, non-substance-related leisure-time activities contribute to a higher QoL [55].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Impact of Drug Treatment Courts on Recovery: A Systematic Review

Wittouck

Dekkers

Ruyver

et al. 2013

The Scientific World Journal

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction. Earlier reviews regarding the effectiveness of Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) reported a reduction in reoffending and substance use. Although substance users suffer from other difficulties than drug use and judicial issues, none of these reviews focused on outcomes or effects of DTCs on drug-related life domains, such as social relationships, employment, or health. Therefor, the present paper aims to review the impact of adult DTCs on substance use and drug-related life domains. Method. Primary studies were systematically searched in Web of Knowledge. Observational and controlled evaluation studies of adult DTCs were considered eligible if substance use and/or drug-related life domains were measured. Results. Moderately positive results were found with respect to within-program substance use. Few studies used drug-related life domains as an outcome measure and most of them yielded no effects. Employment and family relations ameliorated when specific interventions were used. Discussion. DTCs yield beneficial outcomes and effects regarding within-program substance use. However, evidence regarding the impact of DTCs on post-program drug and alcohol use and on other drug-related life domains is scarce. These life domains and thus QoL possibly can be improved by DTCs if specifically targeted. Future research is warranted.

show abstract