Dual Diagnosis in a Forensic Patient Sample: A Preliminary Tripartite Investigation to Inform Group Treatment Delivery for Substance Use

Abstract

ABSTRACT The etiology of forensic dual diagnosis and the efficacy of psychosocial substance use interventions remain poorly understood. This multi-study: (1) Examined what is empirically known about forensic psychosocial substance use interventions; (2) Empirically quantified from forensic inpatient’s perspectives (n  12) psychosocial risk factors relevant to substance using behaviors (Study 1); and (3) Evaluated from forensic service users (  12) and service providers (  9) standpoint the acceptability and feasibility of a novel substance use intervention (Study 2). Findings showed that (1) Existing interventions are of limited effectiveness; and (2) Eleven etiological psychosocial risk factors and two bifurcative pathways are arguably implicated in substance using behaviors.