Research suggests that substance abuse treatment has substantial economic benefits including reduced crime, increased productivity and lower health care utilization. Cost-effectiveness analysis of different treatment interventions can identify which program can achieve a desired objective at the lowest cost, thus allowing targeting of limited treatment resources. This paper analyzes the cost-effectiveness of different aftercare approaches in reducing crime, and also compares the cost of treatment with the cost savings of reduced crime after treatment. The study uses data from two sites with randomized trials and observational data of various approaches to aftercare treatment following residential or intensive outpatient treatment, as well as conviction data from state CORI databases. Multivariate statistical methods were used to estimate the impact of program and client characteristics on criminal activity. Preliminary results from the analysis of Massachusetts CORI data suggest that rates of crime after treatment were lower than those before treatment, but the declines for usual aftercare were as great as those for relapse prevention aftercare. We will also report the impact of self-help treatment, severity of offense, and personal characteristics on subsequent crime.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to discuss the impact of substance abuse treatment on criminal behavior outcomes (recidivism), comparing the cost of treatment to the cost savings of reduced crime. In addition, participants will understand whether crime outcomes differed by whether a client received relapse prevention or some type of self-help
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Crime
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.