The Role of Coercion in Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers

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Abstract
The impact of coercion in rehabilitation of drug abusers was examined in a 1979 study of a population of drug abusers in treatment programs in southern New Jersey [USA]. The experimental group consisted of patients in treatment through the TASC [Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime] program, while the control group was made up of patients who had voluntarily committed themselves to treatment. A validated interview schedule was utilized for both coerced and noncoerced groups. Data analysis utilized analysis of contingency tables involving .chi.2 tests of significance and Pearsons Correlation Coefficients, as well as 1-way and 2-way analyses of variance. Coercion facilitates success for certain population groups (e.g., older, longer-term heroin addicts) only by certain criteria (e.g., arrest and abstinence) for certain treatment settings (e.g., drug-free vs. methadone maintenance programs). Confirmation of the maturing-out process with regard to treatment of heroin addicts was also noted. On the basis of study findings and literature review, a number of policy-related recommendations are made.

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