Outcomes of a drug and alcohol relapse prevention programme in a population of mentally disordered offenders

Abstract

Substance misuse that is co‐morbid with mental disorder may increase the risk of crime, particularly of a violent nature. It is therefore essential that dual‐diagnosis patients in forensic services receive adequate intervention and treatment to minimise future substance use and potential for criminal behaviour. One such intervention is the Relapse Prevention Programme (Saying No; Coping and Social Skills Programme) developed in a high secure forensic hospital. An evaluation of the programme was conducted, with pre‐ and post‐ intervention using four measures, the Drug Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ), the Multidimensional Locus of Control Questionnaire, the Stages of Change Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, with 83 male participants who had completed the programme. Results indicate that there was significant change in the DTCQ post‐treatment while no other measures yielded a statistically significant result. Possible reasons, implication for practice and limitations of the current study are discussed.

Citation

Ritchie, G., Weldon, S., Freeman, L., MacPherson, G. and Davies, K. (2011), "Outcomes of a drug and alcohol relapse prevention programme in a population of mentally disordered offenders", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 32-43. https://doi.org/10.5042/bjfp.2011.0048