A Comparison of Substance Use Between Female Inmates and Female Substance Misusers in Treatment

Abstract

Recent literature documents extensive substance misuse histories among US female prison inmates. The primary purpose of the present study was to determine whether histories of personal and familial substance misuse distinguished female inmates from substance misusers in treatment. After accounting for drug-related offences, we hypothesized that the inmates would have more extensive histories of personal and familial substance misuse and that they would have initiated substance use at an earlier age. Contrary to our expectations, the two samples were similar on many measures of alcohol and drug use. Similarly, differences in family histories of substance misuse were not in the predicted direction. As hypothesized, however, the inmates did report earlier age at onset of drinking. Of particular clinical relevance was the finding that, despite similar alcohol consumption levels, inmates reported fewer alcohol-related adverse medical, legal, and psychosocial consequences than did the treatment sample.

From Corrections to Communities as an HIV Priority

“…51,52 Although therapy is available, there are considerable contraindications, side effects, complex administration schedules, and incomplete efficacy. Finally, numerous studies argue for drug abuse treatment [53][54][55] ; currently, drug-free programs have been the norm in the U.S., and efforts to offer methadone in the correctional setting have been limited. 56,57 Improving access to methadone maintenance in corrections settings is warranted.…”

Substance Use Coping as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Trauma Symptoms and Substance Use Consequences Among Incarcerated Females With Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories

“…For example, a comparison between incarcerated women and women who misuse substances and who are in treatment exhibited no group differences in their prevalence of drug and alcohol use, types of illicit substances used, and overall alcohol consumption levels. In fact, incarcerated women actually reported fewer consequences (e.g., medical, legal, psychosocial problems) related to their alcohol use compared to non-incarcerated women in treatment (Phillips et al, 2000). Overall, Phillips and colleagues (2000) concluded that incarcerated women may be quite similar to non-incarcerated, treatment-seeking women (with the exception of their first intoxication, which occurred at a younger age for the incarcerated sample).…”

“…] such that these individuals are in more situations in which crime-related events are likely to occur" (Salgado et al, 2007, p. 21). Also, incarcerated women report an earlier onset of substance use relative to non-incarcerated populations (Phillips, Nixon, Phillips, Pfefferbaum, & Briody, 2000), perhaps explained, in part, by their often chaotic and abusive childhoods.…”

Violent and Non-Violent Criminal Behavior among Young Chinese Drug Users: A Mixed Methods Study

“…For example, prior studies have indicated that the use of methamphetamine, a non-opiate synthetic drug, may increase the likelihood of its users engaging in criminal behaviors, including assault, kidnapping, reckless driving, robbery, and homicide [ 22 , 23 ]. Empirical data suggest a strong association between young people’s drug use and criminality, even when dealing in drug and trafficking are disregarded [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. On the whole, young drug users have been found to be increasingly involved in criminal justice-related issues [ 27 , 28 ].…”