Outcome evaluation of a community alcohol and other drug intervention programme for offenders serving community sentences in Auckland, New Zealand

The aim of this study was to follow-up an offender cohort directed to a community alcohol and drug (AOD) treatment programme via probation and assess whether self-reported substance use, impact of use and recidivism changed over 6-months. The cohort completed the Alcohol and Drug Outcome Measure (ADOM) at treatment entry and 3 and 6-months post-programme. Clients answered questions about treatment and its impact on recidivism and their health at follow-up. Data for 278 clients consenting to follow-up was available at entry; 96 completed 3-month and 53 6-month follow-up. Post-programme 3-month analysis (n=96) showed a significant reduction in alcohol and cannabis use. No further changes were evident between 3 and 6-months for the participants who completed the follow-up at 6-months. Physical health interference on daily functioning improved at 3-months and psychological health improved at 6-months. At both assessments most clients reported the programme had helped them reduce offending and were motivated to continue addressing their substance use. Enabling clients to address their AOD problems empowered them to address other health and psychosocial issues. Larger longer-term follow-up studies are required.