Past Issues
Factors Associated with Dropout of Suspended
Indictment Drug Offenders from
Coerced Group Therapy
Ming-Lun Liu, M.D.1, Li-Chuan Huang, B.A.1, Ying-Chu Hsu, Ph.D.2
Objective: To evaluate and to analyze the possible factors associated with
dropout of drug abusers from coerced group treatment. Methods: We divided 41
suspented indictment drug offenders into four 24-week coerced group treatment
programs. Comparisons were made between those who completed the group treatment
(completers) and those who did not (dropouts). Results: We did not fi nd any
signifi cant difference between the completer and dropout groups in gender, age,
education level, previous drug abuse convictions, non-drug-related convictions,
types of substance use, or substance use duration. But the signifi cant differences
were found between the groups in the number of absences, latenesses, and the percentage
of positive urine tests. Conclusion: In this study, the completers were
found to have a signifi cant reduction in illicit drug use behavior. Future treatment
dropouts cannot be predicted from the demographic data, previous conviction history,
and past substance abuse history. But the number of absences from treatment
and latenesses for treatment, employment status, and positive urine drug tests can
predict whether the offender will complete the group therapy.
dropout of drug abusers from coerced group treatment. Methods: We divided 41
suspented indictment drug offenders into four 24-week coerced group treatment
programs. Comparisons were made between those who completed the group treatment
(completers) and those who did not (dropouts). Results: We did not fi nd any
signifi cant difference between the completer and dropout groups in gender, age,
education level, previous drug abuse convictions, non-drug-related convictions,
types of substance use, or substance use duration. But the signifi cant differences
were found between the groups in the number of absences, latenesses, and the percentage
of positive urine tests. Conclusion: In this study, the completers were
found to have a signifi cant reduction in illicit drug use behavior. Future treatment
dropouts cannot be predicted from the demographic data, previous conviction history,
and past substance abuse history. But the number of absences from treatment
and latenesses for treatment, employment status, and positive urine drug tests can
predict whether the offender will complete the group therapy.
| Key Word | suspended indictment drug offenders, coerced group therapy, reasons for dropout |
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