A Meta-Analysis of Substance Misuse Intervention Programs Offered to Women Offenders

This meta-analytic review examined the effectiveness of substance misuse interventions in reducing recidivism and substance use outcomes among women offenders. A literature search revealed 22 evaluations, reporting 39 effect sizes. The effect estimate for recidivism outcomes revealed 53% to 79% reductions in the odds of recidivism for women participating in interventions. Effect estimates were similar for outcomes relating to substance use, with reductions in the odds of alcohol and drug use ranging from 13% to 82%. Across evaluations reporting recidivism outcomes, gender-neutral and gender-informed interventions were equally effective in reducing recidivism outcomes. Further, sub-group analyses revealed that study quality did not impact reductions in recidivism. Overall, this review lends support to the findings of previous research, suggesting that substance misuse interventions are effective in reducing both recidivism and substance use outcomes among women offenders.