Substance use disorder treatment in the community is shown to be more effective than incarceration for individuals with a history of substance misuse. This study focused on the contract treatment sanction in Sweden, where offenders voluntarily agree to treatment as a criminal penalty. The rehabilitation period is tailored to individual needs and may include psychosocial treatment and opioid substitution therapy. This approach is also utilized in countries such as Norway and various EU nations, but not in Finland, which has adopted a specialized drug court model. Contract treatment has been found to reduce recidivism rates and decrease substance-related health issues.
The study analyzed data from the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s client register and other national databases to evaluate the effectiveness of contract treatment. The research included over 11,000 individuals who underwent this sanction between 1999 and 2012, with follow-ups for a minimum of two years. The findings showed a significant decrease in criminal behavior and substance-related health events, such as overdoses and hospitalizations, compared to before the implementation of contract treatment. Individuals on contract treatment had lower rates of recidivism and adverse health events compared to those on community sanctions or post-prison parole.
Addressing substance misuse and criminality simultaneously is crucial, as they often co-occur. By focusing on the root causes, such as substance use disorders, recidivism can be prevented effectively. Prison is not always the best environment for individuals requiring treatment and support for recovery. Emphasizing health care and treatment over punishment is shown to yield better outcomes in terms of societal security and public health. The results of this study highlight the importance of providing treatment for individuals with substance use disorders to improve overall outcomes.
Future research will delve deeper into the effectiveness of contract treatment using more recent data. Understanding the impact of this approach on recidivism rates, adverse health events, and overall outcomes will provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in the field. By focusing on treatment rather than punishment, societal security and public health can be improved, leading to better outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of community-based treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system with substance misuse backgrounds.
