How’d You Do It? Applying Structural Ritualization Theory to Drug Treatment Courts

Abstract

A wealth of studies have been conducted on drug treatment courts (DTCs) over the past two decades. However, relatively few studies have employed qualitative research methods, and even fewer are grounded in social science theory. Using structural ritualization theory (SRT), this research provides a theoretical framework for understanding specifically how DTC programs effect change in the lives of participants and the influence of DTC organizational structure on this process using qualitative methods. Data for this study were collected from semi-structured interviews with 23 DTC graduates previously enrolled in either Kalamazoo or Van Buren County DTC, both of which are located in southwest Michigan. Findings reveal support for SRT as a useful approach identifying the mechanisms of change within the DTC program that contribute to participant success.

Collaboration: A Mechanism of Drug Court Model Adherence

“…The best strategy for drug courts to reach these goals is to maintain program fidelity and operate under their highest and well-accepted guiding operational principles. These principles are supported by a set of theories, including therapeutic jurisprudence (Hora et al, 1999), strength-based perspective (Cosden et al, 2004; Nissen, 2006), deterrence theory (Lindquist et al, 2006; Marlowe et al, 2005), and structural ritualization theory (Lanier & DeVall, 2017; Liang et al, 2016).…”

“…The interaction between drug court professionals and participants can also be explained through structural ritualization theory (Lanier & DeVall, 2017; Liang, Knottnerus, & Long, 2016). The structural ritualization theory suggests that drug court as an intervention disrupts the participant’s old rituals, such as drug abuse and committing crimes, and lays a foundation for clients for building new rituals through drug court programming (Liang et al, 2016).…”