The Impact of Exercise Program Participation on Recidivism and Relapse Among Drug Court Participants
Class
Article
Faculty Mentor
M. Scott DeBerard
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise program participation on recidivism and relapse among drug court participants. By replacing harmful habits with healthy habits, and harmful friend groups with supportive, healthy friend groups, as well as providing a safe space to fully recover, this study looked at whether or not exercise had an impact on persons struggling with substance abuse as they worked to overcome their substance abuse issues. This study was a self-report survey study. The research questions specifically looked at in this project were: 1) What are the characteristics of the Drug Court Sample participating in the study? 2) What are the number and amount of time they engage in other recommended Drug Court activities in addition to the running program? 3) What are the mental and physical health-related quality of life outcomes among Drug Court Participants including those that are currently engaging in the program and program graduates? 4) What are the self-reported recidivism rates among Drug Court participants and how do these compare with state and national norms? 5) What are the relationships between participation in the exercise program within the Drug Court Program and the participant cravings, relapse and self-reported recidivism? Analysis of the collected data revealed statistically significant associations between exercise program participation and a decrease in self-reported cravings/urges to use again, relapse and recidivism rates. Analysis of comments showed that participants largely believe that exercise has helped them and can help others become and stay clean and sober. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-12-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
The Impact of Exercise Program Participation on Recidivism and Relapse Among Drug Court Participants
Logan, UT
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise program participation on recidivism and relapse among drug court participants. By replacing harmful habits with healthy habits, and harmful friend groups with supportive, healthy friend groups, as well as providing a safe space to fully recover, this study looked at whether or not exercise had an impact on persons struggling with substance abuse as they worked to overcome their substance abuse issues. This study was a self-report survey study. The research questions specifically looked at in this project were: 1) What are the characteristics of the Drug Court Sample participating in the study? 2) What are the number and amount of time they engage in other recommended Drug Court activities in addition to the running program? 3) What are the mental and physical health-related quality of life outcomes among Drug Court Participants including those that are currently engaging in the program and program graduates? 4) What are the self-reported recidivism rates among Drug Court participants and how do these compare with state and national norms? 5) What are the relationships between participation in the exercise program within the Drug Court Program and the participant cravings, relapse and self-reported recidivism? Analysis of the collected data revealed statistically significant associations between exercise program participation and a decrease in self-reported cravings/urges to use again, relapse and recidivism rates. Analysis of comments showed that participants largely believe that exercise has helped them and can help others become and stay clean and sober. Presentation Time: Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.