Delivering the Alcohol Treatment Requirement: Assessing the outcomes and impact of coercive treatment for alcohol misuse

Abstract

Under the Criminal Justice Act (2003), Alcohol Treatment Requirements (ATRs) are now available and can be dispensed as part of a community sentence. ATRs deliver coercive treatment to predominantly ‘dependent’ drinkers specifically aiming to tackle levels of alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol related crime. Data gathered from probation records and treatment files for 81 offenders sentenced to treatment were analysed exploring offender characteristics, outcomes and impact. The analysis shows that those deemed ‘suitable’ and consequently sentenced for the ATR were primarily ‘white British’ males who had committed crimes related to ‘violence against the person’. Progression through treatment on the ATR is encouraging with a 70 per cent completion rate and positive outcomes with regard to levels of alcohol consumption. While re-offending rates were also low these should be viewed with caution as the time lapse between intervention and impact assessment was short.