Reducing Hospitalizations and Arrests for Substance Abusers

Abstract

This four-year outcome study examines the results of the VA Contracted Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for veterans with substance abuse problems. Race, marital status, housing status, and exposure to combat in the military characterized the male veteran subjects. Hospitalization rates and arrest rates were tracked for two years prior to and two years post-residential treatment. The authors also examined treatment outcomes for those who completed outpatient substance abuse treatment after an episode of residential care. This study shows a 30% reduction of hospitalizations and arrests following residential treatment. Those veterans who completed both residential and outpatient treatment had the best outcomes in terms of number of hospitalizations and arrests in a two-year follow-up.

Criminal Typology of Veterans Entering Substance Abuse Treatment

“…Although criminal history severity was related to poorer functioning at treatment entry, it did not deter treatment utilization or MHG participation, and participants with varying criminal history severities who attended treatment or MHGs improved on substance use problem severity. These findings support previous literature suggesting that treatment plans that focus on both substance abuse and mental health are important components of improving clinical outcomes and reducing recidivism risk (Andrews & Bonta, 2010; Garnick et al, 2014; Groppenbacher et al, 2003; Gumpert et al, 2010). …”

“…According to the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) model (Andrews & Bonta, 2010), treatment should be reserved for higher-risk groups of offenders (risk principle); focus on criminogenic needs (need principle); and be matched to individuals’ specific needs and other characteristics (responsivity principle). Indeed, SUD and other mental health treatment utilization has been shown to reduce recidivism risk among non-veterans (Cosden, Ellens, Schnell, Yamini-Diouf, & Wolfe, 2003; Garnick et al, 2014; Gumpert et al, 2010; Hiller, Knight, & Simpson, 1999) and veterans with criminal histories (Groppenbacher, Batzer, & White, 2003; Pandiani, Ochs, & Pomerantz, 2010). Engagement in SUD treatment has also been shown to improve outcomes such as employment (Dunigan et al, 2014) and stable housing (Gonzalez & Rosenheck, 2002).…”

Are Washington Circle performance measures associated with decreased criminal activity following treatment?

“…Groppenbacher and colleagues found a reduction in arrests after residential treatment; and those who entered outpatient treatment following residential treatment had even better outcomes than clients who only had residential treatment (Groppenbacher et al, 2003). Gossop and colleagues found a significant reduction in crimes committed and in the number of clients who committed crimes at one-year follow-up (Gossop et al, 1999).…”

“…Additional evidence comes from analyses of data from a national treatment outcomes study conducted in England that have shown promising findings that treatment leads to reduction in criminal activities (Gossop et al, 1999;Gossop, Marsden, Stewart, & Rolfe, 2000;Groppenbacher, Bemis Batzer, & White, 2003;Healey, Knapp, Marsden, Gossop, & Stewart, 2003). Groppenbacher and colleagues found a reduction in arrests after residential treatment; and those who entered outpatient treatment following residential treatment had even better outcomes than clients who only had residential treatment (Groppenbacher et al, 2003).…”

Comparison of Health Realization and 12-Step Treatment in Women's Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

“…Substance abuse treatment outcomes research shows that receiving treatment yields more benefits than not receiving treatment and most treatments yield comparable benefits (14)(15)(16). These results suggest that participation in a substance abuse treatment program yields positive outcomes, irrespective of the specific therapeutic model.…”