RESEARCH
AT TRI
Investigators at the Treatment Research Institute are dedicated to the advancement of treatment effectiveness in substance abuse through research and dissemination. In academic and real-world settings, TRI scientists conduct original research and evaluate the findings of their peers to identify what works and what doesn’t in substance abuse treatment.
At
TRI, evaluation of treatment strategies for substance abusing offenders
is a high priority, reflecting the urgency and complexity of the issues
manifest in crimes on society, overcrowded prisons and jails, and the
“revolving door” that prevents successful re-entry of untreated
offenders to the community. Researchers in the Law
and Ethics Section have evaluated interventions for incarcerated offenders,
including high-risk, former drug traffickers. An on-going priority is
evaluation of the operative ingredients of drug courts. With studies pointing
to the success of these programs which divert some drug-involved offenders
to treatment rather than jails, TRI is at the forefront among national
research groups examining whether judges are important to the process
or if lower-cost “Proposition 36” like approaches can be just
as successful.
Monitoring and Feedback in Substance Abuse Treatment: Consistent with concurrent recovery monitoring model, three-stage study by John Cacciola, Ph.D. will develop a monitoring instrument and associated intervention. Abstract.
Cash Versus Non-Cash Contingency Management: first-ever study funded by NIDA will evaluate differential efficacy, cost-effectiveness and ethics of a cash- versus voucher-based CM protocol in the treatment of drug dependence. Read abstract.
Prevention Intervention for Low Risk Adult Drug Court Clients: Stage Ia/Ib Behavioral Therapy Development grant from NIDA will develop an intervention designed to interrupt acquisition of addictive behavior in adult drug court clients with no identifiable substance use disorder. Read abstract.
State Capital Punishment Statutes and Mental Retardation: Definitions of “mental retardation” in state capital punishment statutes vary considerably by states, with only a small portion using clinically acceptable criteria. Read abstract of national survey findings.
Read Special Articles on Adolescent Brain Development or Brief Intervention: Potential New Treatment Approach for Substance Abusing Adolescents, both prepared by TRI Senior Investigator Ken Winters, Ph.D.
