Severity of substance use, discretionary release, and return to federal custody

Offenders with serious substance abuse problems are less successful in the community than offenders with no, or minor, substance abuse problems. The Correctional Service of Canada's (CSC's) substance abuse treatment programs target problem intensity through treatment duration; these programs decrease an offender's likelihood of returning to custody.^{Footnote 1}

As severity of substance use problems increased, offenders were less likely to be granted discretionary release^{Footnote 2} and more likely to return to custody (see Table). Among readmitted offenders, those without a substance abuse problem remained in the community for almost a month longer than those with a substantial or severe problem. Most returns to custody were due to a revocation without an offence (see Figure). Those with a substantial or severe problem were most likely to commit a new offence (violent or non-violent).

Overall, 70-80% of federal offenders have an identified substance use problem.^{Footnote 3} This study explored whether substance abuse severity affects success in the community after release.

A total of 12,935 men who completed the Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA) at admission were followed to examine the association between substance use severity and release type, time spent in the community, and return to custody.^{Footnote 4} The offenders were followed for a maximum of 18 months^{Footnote 5} after release, until the end of their sentence.

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Prepared by: Shanna Farrell MacDonald