Comparing Two Types of Social Support: Changes in Alcohol Use Among Drug Court Enrollees

Abstract

This study explored the influence of 2 different types of social support on alcohol use in the context of drug court. Data from a drug court enrollee pilot study were analyzed using a series of simultaneous regression analyses. Results demonstrated that having a greater number of unconditional support providers was associated with a decrease in alcohol use from prearrest to postarrest. Having a greater number of directive support providers was associated with an increase in alcohol use from prearrest to postarrest. These findings indicated that different types of social support might mitigate or promote problematic alcohol use after arrest.

KEYWORDS:

• alcohol use
• drug court
• maintenance
• mandated treatment
• social support