Classification of offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use using the Addiction Severity Index version 6: analysis of three-year follow-up data and predictive validity

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and predictive utility of a time-efficient cognitive development chart that seeks to identify children and adolescents with high-risk for multiple outcomes such as mental health problems, substance use, and educational difficulties.MethodWe analyzed data from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Psychiatric Disorders (HRC), a longitudinal school-based study conducted from 2010-2011 to 2013-2014. Participants were 2,239 children and adolescents, 6 to 17 years of age, who completed the cognitive assessment at baseline. The task used to track cognitive development was the Two Choice Reaction Time task (<3 minutes of duration, computer-based), which assesses the accuracy and speed of perceptual decision-making. Mental health, substance use, and educational outcomes were assessed by validated standardized methods. Key variables were measured at baseline and 3-year follow-up. The predictive utility was assessed using static (deviations from the age-expected performance at baseline) and dynamic (deviations from the age-expected change in performance over time) indicators.ResultsThe reliability of the task parameter was high (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.8). Static indicators of cognitive development significantly predicted concurrent mental, intellectual and educational difficulties, as well as incident and persistent educational difficulties and substance use in the 3-year follow-up. Dynamic indicators predicted persistent mental health problems.ConclusionPrimary-care and mental health professionals need a time-efficient tool for tracking deviations from age-expected cognitive development, which predicts multiple unwanted outcomes at the same time. If replicated, future results could support the generation of tools for tracking risk for mental health, substance use, and educational difficulties.

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Effects of Losing SSI Benefits on Standard Drug and Alcohol Outcome Measures

Contemporary Drug Problems ◽

10.1177/00914509030301-208 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 30 (1-2) ◽

pp. 169-193 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Joseph Guydish ◽

Claudia Ponath ◽

Alan Bostrom ◽

Kevin Campbell ◽

Nancy Barron

Keyword(s):

Severity Index ◽

Addiction Severity Index ◽

Standard Drug ◽

Linear Effect ◽

Addiction Severity ◽

Composite Scores ◽

The Impact ◽

Drug And Alcohol ◽

Termination Date

P.L. 104–121 eliminated drug addiction and alcoholism (DA&A) as an impairment category for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), allowing a six-month period for DA&A recipients to request an eligibility redetermination, and terminating all SSI DA&A benefits on January 1, 1997, In a multi-site cohort study of persons affected by this change, participants were interviewed prior to the benefits termination date and reinterviewed over a two-year follow-up period. We assessed the impact of loss of SSI DA&A benefits on Addiction Severity Index (ASI) composite scores, which are often used to reflect treatment outcomes in seven areas (psychological, social, alcohol, drug, legal, employment, and medical). We classified participants as either on SSI or off SSI (n=1,670) during follow-up and analyzed ASI composite scores treating time as a linear effect, including baseline composite scores as covariates. The dependent variable in each analysis was the ASI composite score, dichotomized into high and low categories. We hypothesized that those who lost SSI benefits would experience poorer outcomes than those who requalified for benefits. In the context of the limitations discussed, the results do not support this hypothesis. Participants in both groups showed either improvement or no change over time, and patterns of change did not differ by SSI status.

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Homelessness, Mental Health Afflictions, Problematic Substance Use, and Associated Criminality

Global Perspectives on Reforming the Criminal Justice System ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-6884-2.ch015 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 258-287

Author(s):

Jayesh D'Souza

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽

Transformative Justice ◽

Government Response ◽

Substance Use Problems ◽

Problematic Substance Use ◽

Problematic Substance ◽

Justice Model ◽

Sheer Number

Homelessness and related community ailments have plagued society for a number of years, and governments have found it difficult to get these under control. The sheer number of homeless with mental health afflictions and problematic substance use problems leaves no doubt about the need for a stronger, more urgent government response. Community ailments such as these have led to increased crime rates and incarcerations and overcrowded prisons without a lasting solution in sight. This chapter uses the transformative justice model, with the expectation it produces better results than current models, by examining the source of homelessness, mental health afflictions, and problematic substance use and their bi-directional relationship with crime. This inter-jurisdictional study compares the current situations in the state of California and the province of Ontario, which have a high percent of homeless populations. It proves that special attention to vulnerable populations such as racialized groups, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, and youth is warranted.

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