The Importance of Social Support for Individuals on Specialized Probation: A Gender Comparison of Relapse and Revocation

Informed by social support theory, this study examined gender differences of revocation and relapse of 526 probationers diagnosed with a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or co-occurring disorder who were court-ordered for treatment. Within 18 months of starting probation, 51% of men and 56% of women were revoked. Although not statistically significant, the relapse rate was 34% for women and 26% for men. Significant predictors of revocation were similar across gender with a lack of family support being the strongest predictor for both groups, though notably stronger for women. Family support was a significant predictor of relapse for women but not for men. Inpatient treatment of at least 180 days had the greatest effect in reducing relapse and revocation for women. Treatment dosage of at least 90 days had modest effects in reducing men’s revocation, but the treatment effect was less pronounced for men’s relapse rates.