The Progression of Drug Courts

Abstract

In the criminal justice field, there is a growing concern for the increase of substance abuse problems among offenders. Since the late 1980s, courts have increased efforts in developing drug court programs to accommodate offenders who are alcohol or drug dependent. Research on drug court programs has provided evidence of their effectiveness through measurements of program completion, and recidivism and relapse rates. Currently, research has shifted from studying drug court program effectiveness, to examining the services drug courts provide to offenders and if it makes the program more effective. This article examines whether additional services in the drug court program, like employment assistance, improve the offenders likelihood of a sober and crime-free lifestyle. In addition, it will not also examine the rates of relapse and recidivism, but it will also examine studies that focus on the longevity of sobriety and noncriminal behavior. Through several online databases, I found research regarding drug court programs. Results suggest that the more involved the program is with the offender, with additional services, the more likely the offender will not reoffend or relapse. Future research should examine more into what specific services provided in conjunction to drug court programs are considered more effective in assisting the offender.