Assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of drug intervention programs: UK case study

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the UK Drug Interventions Program which directs adult drug-misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment programs was established. Quality-adjusted life year estimates from the UK Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study were collected and a cost-utility assessment of the Drug Interventions Program was conducted. Cost-utility assessment confirmed that the Drug Interventions Program is both effective and cost-effective with an average net cost saving of £668 (£6,207 including one case of homicide). This study provides evidence that drug intervention programs are cost-effective as they reduce crime, improve quality-of-life and reduce subsequent drug use.

KEYWORDS:

• Drug treatment
• crime
• cocaine
• opiates
• quality-of-life
• test-on-arrest

Funding

In conducting this research, Antony P. Martin was supported by the National Institute of Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC).