Adaptive interventions in drug court: A pilot experiment

• Published in: Criminal justice review (Atlanta, Ga.) Ga.), 2008-09, Vol.33 (3), p.343-360
• Main Authors: Marlowe, Douglas B., Festinger, David S., Arabia, Patricia L., Dugosh, Karen L., Benasutti, Kathleen M., Croft, Jason R., McKay, James R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithm; Algorithms; Antisocial personality disorder; Antisocial personality disorders; Correctional treatment programs; Courts; CRIMINAL JUSTICE; Drug addiction; Drug courts; Intervention (Administrative procedure); MANAGEMENT; Recidivism; Substance abuse treatment; Treatment
• ISSN: 0734-0168; 1556-3839
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016808320325

This pilot study ('N' = 30) experimentally examines the effects of an adaptive intervention in a misdemeanor drug court. The adaptive algorithm adjusted the frequency of court hearings and case management sessions according to prespecified criteria in response to participants' performance. Results reveal that the adaptive algorithm was acceptable to clients and staff, was feasible to implement with greater than 85% fidelity, and showed promise for eliciting substantial improvements in drug abstinence and graduation rates. Compared to drug court as usual, participants in the adaptive condition were more likely to receive responses from the drug court team for inadequate performance and received those responses after a shorter period. This suggests the adaptive algorithm more readily focused the team's attention on poorly performing individuals, allowing them to address problems before they developed too fully. These preliminary data justify further research evaluating the adaptive algorithm in a fully powered experimental trial.