What Contributes to Adverse Outcomes in State-Funded Drug Treatment for Justice-Involved Women with Methamphetamine Dependence?

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is highly addictive, heavily stigmatized, and on the rise in the United States, particularly in Western and Midwestern states. Considerable research has shown a correlation between methamphetamine use and criminal activity, among both men and women. Further research has shown that as methamphetamine use increases, its use among non-white populations is rising, although methamphetamine is still predominantly used by white people. Methamphetamine use is also associated with psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and the use of other addictive substances, as users tend to self-medicate with the substance. In the absence of a chemical treatment alternative, treatment for methamphetamine dependence usually requires in-depth cognitive behavioral therapy, which can be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging for addicted individuals. This thesis uses data on discharges from state-funded drug treatment to determine potential contributing factors to adverse outcomes in treatment, limiting the sample to women who are methamphetamine users and within the criminal justice system. Key findings include that non-white women are less likely to realize positive outcomes in treatment than white women, despite the fact that methamphetamine use and addiction is predominantly seen among white people. Experiences like unemployment, having a diagnosed psychiatric condition, and being reliant on government assistance to pay for treatment are associated with failure to complete treatment. Additionally, women on probation or parole – regardless of race or ethnicity and controlling for other factors – tend to experience worse outcomes than those who are in prison. Due to some limitations, including lack of specific data from treatment facilities on why a person fails to complete treatment, there is significant room for additional research. However, these findings suggest that policymakers should consider addressing challenges that methamphetamine-addicted women who are suffering from environmental stresses – such as reduced income from unemployment or diagnosed psychiatric conditions – and/or non-white women or those who are under community supervision, on probation or parole, experience, as it appears to reduce the likelihood of treatment completion.