Potential Demand for Substance Abuse Treatment in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This article considers the challenges in evaluating the potential for partnership between the treatment and criminal justice systems, and suggests an agenda for further research. Deep conceptual ambiguities and limitations of survey methods make general population estimates of need for treatment highly questionable. In criminal justice populations, we must make use ofuniquely available data to improve need estimates. For the purposes of policy analysis, it is essential to move beyond binary classification of the population as in need or not in need andattempt to estimate treatment needs by level of care. It is also essential to consider actual demand for level-appropriate treatment, because even in the criminal justice system, where patients may be subject to coercion, demand may be radically less than need. Initial studies mustbuild better knowledge of criminal offenders’choices between incarceration and longer community regimes.