Drug courts have been shown to reduce recidivism and save costs, but their success depends on proper assessment and treatment of offenders, the approach taken by presiding judges, and other variable factors like drug trends, staffing, and funding. As the opioid crisis rages, drug courts may help address criminal behavior driven by addiction if they adopt best practices in assessment, treatment, and court supervision.

1. Although general research findings are that drug courts can
reduce recidivism and promote other positive outcomes such as
cost savings, several factors affect a drug court program’s
success:
1. Proper assessment and treatment
2. The role assumed by the judge and the nature of offender
interactions with the judge
3. Other variable influences such as drug use trends, staff
turnover, and resource allocation
In the wake of a national opoid crisis, is drug court a remedy or
a waste?