Adults on probation and parole who receive substance use treatment: An analysis of correlates in a national sample, 2015-2021.

BACKGROUND

As states work to develop better drug policy that promotes public health and safety while reducing incarceration, there is a need for behavioral health research on community-based sanctions like probation and parole. This paper uses a national U.S. health data set to contribute to the knowledge base on substance use and criminal justice supervision.

METHODS

Using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2015 to 2021, we examine sociodemographic, behavioral, and mental health correlates of alcohol and drug treatment for those on probation and parole.

RESULTS

Among those on probation and parole, 15 % received past-year alcohol treatment and 16 % received drug treatment while only 8-11 % met criteria for a past-year substance use disorder. Being African American was associated with half the likelihood of receiving drug treatment compared to being White for those on probation and parole as well as for those not. Otherwise, all correlates had either weaker relationships or no relationship at all to treatment receipt for those on probation and parole.

CONCLUSIONS

This population tends to be male, low-income, disproportionately people of color, and have complex service needs with poor health outcomes. Further research and theory development are needed to understand the mismatch between substance use disorder and treatment receipt for this population and to address racial disparities in treatment.