Comparing outcomes of 'voluntary' and 'quasi-compulsory' treatment of substance dependence in Europe.
OBJECTIVE
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 Readiness-to-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.


CONCLUSIONS
QCT is as effective as voluntary treatment provided in the same services in reducing substance use and crime.
Schaub
Michael
M
Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Zurich, Switzerland. michael.schaub@isgf.uzh.ch
Stevens
Alex
A
Berto
Daniele
D
Hunt
Neil
N
Kerschl
Viktoria
V
McSweeney
Tim
T
Oeuvray
Kerrie
K
Puppo
Irene
I
Santa Maria
Alberto
A
Trinkl
Barbara
B
Werdenich
Wolfgang
W
Uchtenhagen
Ambros
A
D000328:Adult; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D003415:Crime / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000639:trends; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D037141:Mandatory Programs / Q000639:trends; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D035141:Voluntary Programs / Q000639:trends; D055815:Young Adult