Correlates of recidivism and relapse for parolees who received in-prison substance abuse treatment in Texas

Abstract

This study assessed correlates and predictors of posttreatment recidivism and relapse for 293 parolees who received substance abuse treatment in a prison-based modified Therapeutic Community (ITC) in Texas. Results of this study indicated that psychological functioning and completing an aftercare treatment program were predictive of posttreatment outcomes. Specifically, presence of depression symptoms, which were assessed approximately 2 months prior to the offenders leaving primary treatment, and not completing a transitional aftercare program predicted higher posttreatment arrest rates within the first 6 months after leaving the ITC. Lower self-esteem, higher levels of preincarceration cocaine use, and not completing the aftercare program were predictive of relapse to cocaine and opioid use during the 6 months following the ITC treatment. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future studies are discussed.