RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Outcomes of a court-based substance use disorder diversion pilot program
A cost analysis
Roddy, A. L. L., Nighswander, T., Roddy, J., & Ray, B. (2023). Outcomes of a court-based substance use disorder diversion pilot program: A cost analysis. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 39(4), 555-569. https://doi.org/10.1177/10439862231189615
This research presents the outcomes of a substance use diversion program in a Midwestern county. Specifically, this work assesses the efficacy (operationalized through re-arrest) and cost-efficacy (operationalized through cost per 1% reduction in re-arrest likelihood) of the program across varying levels of American Society of Addiction Medicine levels of care (ASAM LOC). Using a sample of 430 program participants, findings illustrate that the program overall reduced the likelihood of re-arrest over both a 6- and 12-month horizon across program completers. However, more granular analyses revealed differences across ASAM LOC; the most statistically robust form of treatment was the most intensive 3.5 ASAM LOC, which led to an 82% reduction in 6-month re-arrest and an 80% reduction in 12-month re-arrest for those who completed the program relative to those who did not. The 3.5 ASAM LOC was also the most cost-effective among those explored, costing $66.04 per 1% reduction in recidivism. The outcomes of this work emphasize (a) the relevance of the ASAM LOC in determining program efficacy and (b) the need for varying levels of treatment intensity to better accommodate the needs of substance use disorder diversion participants.
