A controlled trial of the effectiveness of drug treatment & testing orders (DTTO) with standard care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) in reducing rates of crime and drug use. It took the form of a non‐randomized, matched group, controlled trial of the DTTOs versus standard care. Clients were followed up after 1 year. The study was carried out at Drug and Alcohol Use Service, in Southampton and Portsmouth. Clients in the intervention group were sentenced by the courts to DTTOs. The order imposes certain conditions on clients with drug use and criminal records, who are under treatment in the community. Clients in the control group received care as usual. Information regarding drug use, criminal record, physical and mental health, and the client's quality of life was recorded at baseline and then at 12 months follow‐up. The following measures were used: Maudsley Addiction Profile (MAP), Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), Clinicians Alcohol and Drug Use Scales and Substance Misuse Treatment Scale. The DTTO group showed statistically significant improvement in their drug use (MAP Drug Use Score and Clinicians Drug Use Rating Score). Clients in the DTTO group were found to be more satisfied with their treatment at the end of the study. DTTOs were more effective than the treatment as usual in reducing drug use. This study needs to be repeated with larger samples and with improved methodology.

• Substance misuse
• drugs
• alcohol
• crimes
• drug treatment and testing
• order
• substance abuse