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

    Authors

    T. R. Francis;E. M. Abel

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at [email protected]

    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

    Share

    COinS
     

    Accessibility Statement

    This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.