Underage Drinking Diversion: Exploring Factors Related to Recidivism in a Sample of Emerging Adults

    Alcohol and drug use of emerging adults (EA) has serious health and safety consequences.  According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (2002), involvement with drugs or alcohol increases the likelihood of continued and serious contact with the juvenile justice system (Dembo, 2007).  In addition to legal ramifications of underage substance use, substance abuse can lead to harmful consequences throughout the life cycle. Research shows that the prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol disorders in youth require different screenings, assessments and treatment modalities than ones used with adults (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2013).   Although there are over 25 other Diversion Programs in the U.S., little is known about their components or impact on reducing future recidivism for alcohol or drug-related arrests.  

    This study sought to describe: 1) the demographic characteristics of EAs in the Southwest; 2) the correlations between alcohol/drug problems at the beginning of treatment, at treatment completion, and recidivism; and 3) the predictive ability of salient variables on recidivism.

     The current study was a secondary analysis of an Underage Drinking and Alcohol Possession Diversion Program (UDP) in the Southwest; Attended by 1,628 court-referred emerging adults between July of 2009 and June of 2011, the program consisted of psychoeducation and/or up to 28 treatment sessions. Fifty-five percent (895 clients) successfully completed the requirements of the program (successful completers) with 733 (45%) not completing the program requirements (non-completers).   A total of 17.2 percent (281 clients) of the clients were arrested within 12 months of their initial charge with an alcohol or drug related crime, the most common re-arrest category being drug possession (91 cases, 5.6%).  

     Demographic and historical data were collected via agency forms. Data related to alcohol and drug problems were collected via Substance Abuse and Screening Services, Inc. instrument ([SASSI-3], Miller, 1985, 1999). Recidivism data were collected through the City Prosecutor’s Office. 

     Preliminary analysis included correlation and crosstabulation. Primary analysis was logistic regression in consideration of missing data (n=529).  The model was significant (χ2(5) = 31.51, p <.001), correctly predicting 86% of cases. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated adequate fit with non-significant chi-square values. While program completion was negatively and significantly correlated with decreased recidivism, program completion did not predict recidivism. Having attended college was negatively associated with recidivism (Wald χ2(1)=7.81, p=.01), whereas not completing high school was significantly associated with recidivism (Wald χ2(1)=6.28, p<.05). The SASSI Decision Rule (i.e., refer to treatment) was significantly associated recidivism (Wald χ2(1)=3.90). 

      Results demonstrated that individuals who were less educated recidivated at higher rates than those with more education. Moreover, the SASSI Decision Rule (a proxy for severity) predicted recidivism. To produce best outcomes, it’s important for diversion programs to be tailored to individuals with diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring that treatment is appropriately matched to severity; diversion may not be best suited for individuals in need of treatment.