What Works? A Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Studies Regarding Heroin Policy
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Political Science
Minor
Criminal Justice
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
6
KY Senate District #
6
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Matthew Howell
Department
Department of Government
Abstract
This project aimed to aid legislators by presenting quantitative evidence on what policies existing literature supports as working in dealing with the problem of heroin use in order to shift policies to a more effective approach. Chi Square analysis of 100 quantitative studies revealed that there is a relationship between the type of approach and outcome of the study, indicating that maintenance-focused approaches are more likely to work than the other approaches examined. The study concluded that, while the literature finds consensus on the idea that “maintenance works”, the details of implementation cause disagreement between fields; overall, maintenance works for those who want it to work and policy makers should focus on implementing broad legislation where the details of policy can be worked out based on each community’s unique situation, the demand for services, and in seeking to use resources in the most effective and efficient manner.
What Works? A Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Studies Regarding Heroin Policy
This project aimed to aid legislators by presenting quantitative evidence on what policies existing literature supports as working in dealing with the problem of heroin use in order to shift policies to a more effective approach. Chi Square analysis of 100 quantitative studies revealed that there is a relationship between the type of approach and outcome of the study, indicating that maintenance-focused approaches are more likely to work than the other approaches examined. The study concluded that, while the literature finds consensus on the idea that “maintenance works”, the details of implementation cause disagreement between fields; overall, maintenance works for those who want it to work and policy makers should focus on implementing broad legislation where the details of policy can be worked out based on each community’s unique situation, the demand for services, and in seeking to use resources in the most effective and efficient manner.