Abstract
Substance abuse is related to offending and substance abuse treatment has been associated with reductions in criminal behavior. This cohort study aimed to explore the relationship between participation in substance abuse interventions and general criminal recidivism among offenders with a combination of mental health problems and substance use problems. In total, 150 Swedish offenders with self-reported mental health and substance use problems were followed for approximately three years with regard to participation in substance abuse interventions and criminal recidivism. Participants with at least three planned visits to specialized outpatient substance abuse clinics had a substantially reduced risk of reoffending as compared to those with fewer than three such visits (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.29–0.77). For those with at least three planned visits, general criminal recidivism was reduced by 75% during periods of participation in outpatient visits, as compared to periods of non-participation (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.60). For offenders with mental health problems and substance use problems, outpatient substance abuse interventions could be regarded as important from a clinical risk management perspective, and be encouraged.
Highlights
The associations between substance abuse, mental health problems, and offending are well documented in research
We aimed to explore the relationship between participation in substance abuse interventions and general criminal recidivism among offenders with combined mental health and substance use problems
We sought to explore the effect of two substance abuse interventions on general criminal recidivism: a) participation in planned visits to specialized substance abuse outpatient clinics provided by the health care system and b) residence in housing that required abstinence monitoring (“dry housing”) provided by the social services system
Summary
The associations between substance abuse, mental health problems, and offending are well documented in research. Comorbid substance abuse and mental health problems increase the risk of criminal behavior and need to be targeted to safeguard the health of the individual and to reduce the risk of reoffending [1,2,3]. From this perspective, offenders with comorbid mental health and substance use problems constitute a population of relevance for public safety. Outpatient Visits and Reduced Crime Rates number: 2005/5:11, URL: http://www.forte.se/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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