Redefining Success: A Qualitative Investigation of Therapeutic Outcomes forNoncompleting Drug Court Clients

    Authors

    T. R. Francis;E. M. Abel

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Soc. Serv. Res.

    Keywords

    qualitative research; Harm reduction; drug court outcomes; drug court; noncompleters; residual drug court benefits; drug court effectiveness; HARM REDUCTION PSYCHOTHERAPY; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIALS; INTENTION-TO-TREAT; ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE; SUBSTANCE USE; ABUSE; INTERVENTION; EXPERIENCE; Social Work

    Abstract

    Utilizing a convenience sample from a drug court program, the authors investigated the benefits of treatment for noncompleting drug court clients (n = 30). Using an as-treated design, the qualitative investigation assessed whether noncompleters received any benefit from their drug court experience. In-depth interviews were conducted to determine both benefits gained and reductions in harm that occurred as a result of drug court participation. Data analysis was guided by the grounded theory method. Outcomes of coding indicated that participants' motivation and self-efficacy were enhanced through the intervention. Further, participants reported that their relationships with family, therapists, or peers were improved as a result of their involvement with drug court. Individuals in the study sample reported abstinence or decreased substance use, as well as improvements in employment and/or educational attainment. Participants' perceptions of barriers to program completion were also noted. Study outcomes suggest that expansion of a harm reduction approach in social service practice may have utility for drug-abusing populations. Limitations of the research, including lack of generalizability, are discussed. Further research of harm reduction effects with a larger, heterogeneous sample size is recommended.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Social Service Research

    Volume

    40

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    325

    Last Page

    338

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000335943300006

    ISSN

    0148-8376

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