The Effectiveness of a Voluntary, Pre-arrest, Drug Diversionary Program in Lake County, IL

• NCJ Number: 309648
• Journal: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume: 260 Issue: (Supplement) Dated: July 2024
• Author(s): Christopher A. Krause; Khyati Patel; Jolee A. Rosenkranz; David S. Kosson
• Date Published: July 2024
• Grant Number(s): 2020-AR-BX-0085
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This paper reports on a study focusing on the outcomes of a voluntary, pre-arrest drug diversion program designed to help individuals initiate substance abuse treatment and access recovery support services; it discusses the study’s methodology and findings, which demonstrated that the program was effective for helping individuals with a substance misuse problem to gain access to treatment.

Abstract

The A Way Out (AWO) program is a Lake County, IL-based, voluntary, pre-arrest drug diversion program designed to help individuals initiate substance abuse treatment and access recovery support services. AWO is administered by the Lake County Health Department with substantial involvement of police municipalities, and support from the state attorney’s office, a county opioid overdose prevention group, and other county-based partners. Male and female participants (n=144) entering the AWO program from February 2021 to September 2022 were included in this evaluation. Data collected include demographics, preferred placement, actual placement, attendance of appointments, and placement outcomes. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel (2016) and SPSS (version 28). The program placed 87 percent of participants in treatment, which 73 percent completed. Program participants were primarily non-Hispanic White (72.9 percent), cis-gendered males (67.4 percent). Their mean age was 38 years. Participants who attended their treatment appointment (n=125) were more likely to successfully complete their initial treatment (r=0.464, p<0.001) as well as follow-up treatment (r=0.344, p=0.006). Successful completion rates were consistent across race/ethnicity and gender. Current findings demonstrate the AWO program is effective for helping individuals with a substance-use problem to access treatment. Most participants were provided and successfully completed their initial treatment program. This evaluation found no difference in treatment success based on ethnicity. However, the small number of Latino and LGBTQ participants suggest the continuing need for outreach to these populations. (Published Abstract Provided)