The Use of Legal Coercion in the Treatment of Substance Abusers: An Overview and Critical Analysis of Thirty Years of Research

Abstract

Drug and alcohol use presents a serious social problem for most countries in the world. Of particular concern is the well-documented relationship between substance use and crime, which has contributed to an increased popularity and willingness to utilize more forceful means to pressure substance users into treatment. Although compulsory/legally mandated treatment is appealing, it has been one of the most fiercely debated topics in the addiction field, raising a number of issues including ethical concerns and motivational considerations. In this context, the most important question to be answered is whether or not compulsory treatment is effective in the rehabilitation of addicted offenders. Regrettably, three decades of research into the effectiveness of compulsory treatment have yielded a mixed, inconsistent, and inconclusive pattern of results, calling into question the evidence-based claims made by numerous researchers that compulsory treatment is effective in the rehabilitation of substance users. The present paper provides an overview of the key issues concerning the use and efficacy of legal coercion in the rehabilitation of substance users, including a critique of the research base and recommendations for future research.

Keywords:

• legal coercion
• substance use
• compulsory treatment
• diversion
• drug user treatment
• alcohol user treatment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stefanie Klag

Stefanie Klag, B. Psych. (Hons), is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus. Her Ph.D. concerns the evaluation of treatment outcomes for clients in residential and outclient substance abuse treatment programs. When not studying, Stefanie enjoys dancing.

Frances O'Callaghan

Frances O'Callaghan, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology at the School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus. Her research interests focus on substance use and treatment outcomes. Frances likes to spend time at the beach with her family.

Peter Creed

Peter Creed, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in Organisational Psychology at the School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus. His research interests include program evaluation and wellbeing. In keeping with life on the Gold Coast, Peter spends his spare time surfing.