Treatment Resistance and Ethnicity among Female Offenders in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

This study investigates treatment resistance in several subpopulations of female offenders in substance abuse treatment programs. Using the Correctional Treatment Resistance Scale, data from 153 adult female inmates were analyzed according to ethnic and treatment group differences. It was found that treatment resistance was consistent across treatment groups, but elevated resistance scores were observed for Black and Hispanic female offenders. Implications of the results are discussed for counselor preparation, treatment planning, and pretreatment orientation when female offenders from diverse backgrounds are in substance abuse treatment programs.