Factors associated with substance use disorder treatment completion: a cross-sectional analysis of justice-involved adol
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RESEARCH
Open Access
Factors associated with substance use disorder treatment completion: a crosssectional analysis of justice-involved adolescents Micah E. Johnson1*
and Dieu X. Tran2
Abstract Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among those in the juvenile justice system. SUD treatment programs implemented in correctional settings can prevent overdose and other health-related problems among an underserved health disparity population. However, only a fraction of justice-involved adolescents with SUDs complete a treatment program and the factors associated with treatment completion among adolescents in the criminal justice system have not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: Using cross-sectional data on 25,587 adolescents from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FLDJJ) who met the criteria for SUD treatment, the study investigated the factors associated with the completion of SUD treatment. Sociodemographic, mental health, and other variables were examined. Results: Several factors were associated with an increased likelihood of SUD treatment completion: previous participation in treatment programs, prior drug and alcohol education class attendance, and involvement in courtdirected programs. Additional factors included multiple incarcerations, and strong financial and support networks. Conclusions: The strongest factors associated with a higher likelihood of SUD treatment completion among adolescents in the justice system are ones that can be translated into programs and practices. Repeated referrals to treatment, court-directed programs, and strong support networks may yield higher rates of completion. Keywords: Justice-involved adolescents, Substance use disorder, Treatment adherence, Substance misuse
Background Substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUDs) that emerge during adolescence are associated with high morbidity and mortality, along with several adverse consequences such as risky behaviors, delinquency, and recidivism [1–4]. In the United States, rather than entering a behavioral healthcare system, many adolescents are * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
inappropriately siphoned into the criminal justice system as it has become synonymous with substance misuse treatment systems. Previous studies have observed higher rates of SUDs among the juvenile justice system compared to the general population [1, 5]. The effects of untreated SUDs can be more deleterious for justiceinvolved adolescents (JIA) who are associated with diverse risk factors. The circumstances and collateral consequences of justice involvement can exacerbate the negative effects of untreated SUDs on their health, behavior, and community.
© The Author(s). 2020 Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licens
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