Judicial Studies Board – 4 th June 2008 RATSDAM – A FIVE YEAR REVIEW Rapid Assessment and Treatment Service for Drug and Alcohol Misusers Deirdre Noade

Background Joint Initiative: PBNI & NICAS Funding:EDACT & NIO Purpose:Provide fast track Drug Assessment & Treatment Service

Background Referrals: PBNI Assessment Unit Pre-Court Suitability:Link between offending & substance misuse Motivation to address substance misuse Treatment: 8 – 12 week Cognitive Behavioural Programme

Overview of Statistics 937 Referrals 861 Rapid Assessments conducted 544 Orders Made 63 Custody Probation Orders 286 Completed Treatment - 86% Retention Rates

Client Profile 95% Male Average Age 30 29% assessed in custody 86% unemployed 89% self-reported mental health illness

Client Profile – conti.. Offenders: Theft (23%), Possession of Drugs or and intent to supply (20%), Armed Robbery (13%), Motoring (13%) Current paramilitary threat – 20% Previous paramilitary attack – 42%

Drug History

Use of Cocaine

Use of Opiates

Alcohol Dependency Results (N = 96)

Drug Dependency Results (N = 66)

Depression Symptomatology Results (N = 102)

Case Scenario Male, 33 years old, unemployed Possession Class A & AOABH MDC – Cocaine (12 g per week) Alcohol (max 120 units per week) History of depression, paranoia, anxiety History of self harm and suicide attempt Goal of treatment: ‘Reduction in Drug and Alcohol Use & Harm Reduction’

Future Directions Mainstreaming of assessments within PBNI Expansion throughout province Funding difficulties