Compulsory drug treatment in prison reduces drug crime

Links to Report Summary: 

• An evaluation of the NSW Compulsory Drug Treatment Program (CDTP)

Release date: Tuesday 2 June 2026

New research from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows that the NSW Compulsory Drug Treatment Program (CDTP) significantly reduces drug offending in the first year of release from prison.

The CDTP is a court‑mandated prison program that places eligible, drug‑dependent offenders into intensive, multi‑stage treatment and rehabilitation in custody to break the link between drug use and crime. The NSW Drug Court provides judicial supervision while a participant is on the program.  

BOCSAR’s evaluation compared 360 CDTP participants with a matched group of prisoners with a history of substance use, but who did not receive any drug treatment while in custody.

The analysis found that participation in the program was associated with a 40% reduction in drug reoffending, with only 12% of CDTP participants committing a drug offence within 12 months of release, compared with 20% of offenders who did not receive treatment.

However, while the study found a drop in drug reoffending among CDTP participants, this did not translate to reductions in other types of crime. Both the CDTP group and the comparison group continued to have high overall reoffending rates after release (61% and 59%, respectively). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the proportion who returned to custody within 12 months: 59% for CDTP participants compared to 53% for similar prisoners.

BOCSAR’s Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said the findings suggest the CDTP is effectively targeting drug use but may not be addressing the broader factors that drive repeat offending. “This program is clearly reducing drug offending, which is an important result,” Jackie said. “But most participants are still returning to the justice system, which tells us drug treatment alone is not enough to stop further offending.”

“Many participants enter the program with long and entrenched histories of drug use and offending and addressing drug use in isolation may not be enough to change long-term behaviour. Expanding to a more integrated response that addresses a wider range of criminogenic needs, including employment, housing and post-release support in the community, may help maximise the program’s benefits. Strengthening these elements could improve reintegration outcomes and support more sustained reductions in reoffending” Jackie said.

For comment please contact:

Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research.

Phone: +61 423 139 687
Email: jackie.fitzgerald@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au