Involuntary Treatment for Adult Nonoffenders With Substance Use Disorders?

Lit review
by
Cooley, Emily, Anees Bahji & David Crockford

Release Date

2023

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

The effectiveness of involuntary treatment using the mental health act or separate legislation for this purpose has not been reviewed based on existing treatment studies. This study aims to provide a narrative review of that literature and discuss the potential pros and cons of involuntary treatment in adult nonoffenders with SUD.

Findings/Key points

Evidence for the involuntary treatment of adult nonoffenders with SUD suggests limited benefits, with voluntary treatment consistently outperforming involuntary treatment. The use of involuntary treatment for SUD would likely require special legislation, the development of designated treatment sites, and extensive aftercare programming that may not justify the costs and potential ethical and legal issues. Resources likely would be better directed towards expanding voluntary treatment options.

Design/methods

Lit review (10 studies included)

 

Keywords

Policy/Regulatory