Why can’t we just make people go to addiction treatment? This is a question some may be asking in light of recent overdose deaths and other drug-related problems
Why can’t we just make people go to addiction treatment? This is a question some may be asking in light of recent overdose deaths and other drug-related problems in Victoria and elsewhere in British Columbia. Is forcing people to get help an effective response to the problems caused by addiction? It turns out the evidence is murky—and the research may not even be asking the right questions. [source: Centre for Addictions Research of BC]
Different forms of compulsory addiction treatment in Canada
Compulsory addiction treatment does exist in Canada in a number of different forms. People can be formally mandated to a treatment program as an alternative to going to jail or as a condition of parole or probation. People can also be compelled to get help in order to keep their jobs, their children, their social assistance benefits, and so on. Where the data are available in Canada, the statistics show that around 1 in 5 people attending services for addiction are required to be there.
Advocates of compulsory treatment argue that providing services and supports for addiction is more humane, economical, and effective than putting people in jail, firing them, or letting them hit “rock bottom.” These arguments have (quite reasonably) led to a large number of studies aimed at determining whether or not forcing someone to attend treatment “works.” After decades of research, why is this still such a controversial topic? [source: Centre for Addictions Research of BC]
Under what circumstances might compulsory treatment work?
At this point, it has become apparent that the right question is not whether or not mandated treatment works, but under what circumstances might it work and how? And under what circumstances does it become yet another negative experience with the system, leading to further marginalization and drug-related harms?
We speak with Karen Urbanoski, a scientist with the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia (CARBC) and an assistant professor in Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria. Dr. Urbanoski has recently been named a Canada Research Chair in Substance Use, Addictions and Health Services Research.
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audio | Karen Urbanoski @CARBC_UVic #peoplefirstradio @CHLYRadio @VIMentalHealth #addiction https://t.co/ku6aPI0ms5 pic.twitter.com/HzCDlpcZDG
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) March 10, 2016
