Home Office Research Report 03 - The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study: baseline report
Key implications
Executive summary
Main report
Appendices

The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) examines the effectiveness of drug treatment in England. Within the context of changing patterns of drug use and an expansion in criminal justice referrals, the study aims to measure the outcomes experienced by those seeking drug treatment. The study is comprises of three key elements, operated over a three-year period:

• a quantitative study of outcomes;
• a qualitative study of treatment related issues; and
• a cost benefits analysis.

This report describes the findings from the quantitative study baseline interviews. The topics covered in this report include: the characteristics of treatment-seekers; the referral source to treatment and treatment history; nature and level of drug use; levels of offending; risk-taking behaviour; and, motivations for treatment.

Further reports, based on the follow-up quantitative study, will explore the outcomes from treatment, including for who treatment works best and in what context.