A health services use framework for drug-abusing offenders

Carl G. Leukefeld, T. K. Logan, Steven S. Martin, Richard T. Purvis, David Farabee

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article reviews the recent literature on health services use by drug abusers. A revised Andersen-Newman model is posited as a theoretical orientation for health service initiatives focused on drug abuse. The model highlights specific predisposing factors, historical health factors, current illness factors, and enabling/mediating factors associated with drug abuse. The limited number of cost-effectiveness studies have demonstrated that publicly funded drug treatment can produce savings by reducing selected health care costs and decreasing crime. However, short-term costs related to drug abuse can be greater to realize than long-term savings. The criminal justice system can serve as a point of contact and provides a concentrated reservoir of drug users. However, drug-abusing offenders are more likely to present a variety of health problems including hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. From a managed care and health services use perspective, drug abuse treatment in the criminal justice system should minimize long-term health care-and crime-related costs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1123-1135
Number of pages13
JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • General Social Sciences

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