Drug and alcohol use and treatment for Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners: demand reduction strategies

Dolan, Kate; Rodas, Ana; Bode, Adam

doi:10.1108/ijph-02-2014-0005

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…This has been found both locally in Australia (see e.g. Dolan et al, 2015;Gilles et al, 2008) as well as a number of jurisdictions internationally (e.g. Binswanger et al, 2009;Singleton et al, 2003).…”

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confidence: 78%

Hazardous alcohol consumption in non-aboriginal male inmates in New South Wales

Field¹

2018

IJPH

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine correlates and predictors of hazardous drinking behaviour, that may be considered evidence of generalised strain, in a sample of incarcerated non-Aboriginal males in New South Wales, Australia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 283 non-Aboriginal male inmates as part of a larger epidemiological survey of inmates in NSW undertaken in 2015 by the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. Data relating to a range of social factors were selected with reference to relevant literature and assessed with regards their predictive value for scores from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). To facilitate regression analysis, variables were logically organised into historical factors or adult factors. Findings Almost all participants reported some history of alcohol consumption. Hazardous drinking was common among participants. While parental alcohol problems and adult drug use were the only correlates of AUDIT scores, parental misuse of alcohol was shown to be an important predictor of AUDIT scores in regression analysis. The role of parent gender was inconclusive. Previous incarceration as an adult, employment status, and drug use as an adult also predicted AUDIT scores. Originality/value Alcohol abuse is common among inmates and the use of alcohol is implicated in the commission of many offences. A better understanding of its genesis may inspire novel approaches to treatment, leading to improved health outcomes for inmates.

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confidence: 78%

Hazardous alcohol consumption in non-aboriginal male inmates in New South Wales

Field¹

2018

IJPH

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“…It was concluded that prison provided an opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation, particularly for the Indigenous population, who were more likely to use health services in prison than in the community. 26 A separate study of cannabis withdrawal among Indigenous people in prison in Australia found that the majority of current cannabis users experienced withdrawal symptoms, indicating that this is common, but there was no standard treatment for managing cannabis withdrawal in prison. 27…”

Section: People In Custody Aboriginal People In Custodymentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs

Lintzeris¹,

Sunjic²,

Demirkol³

et al. 2019

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This review on management of withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs aimed to identify: the most effective practices; which withdrawal strategies are most effective in improving treatment outcomes for special population groups; and the differential effects of withdrawal management approaches by setting. The review identified the importance of a ‘package of care’ which includes psychosocial, physical and pharmacological interventions, and these should be incorporated into all withdrawal services. The challenge is to ensure that effective services are available, patient-centred, evidence-based and efficient. The review suggests that a re- examination of the NSW approach is needed with more emphasis on ambulatory withdrawal services. The review also highlights a need for more research into interventions for special populations including older people.

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“…Limited literature exists on the availability and effectiveness of alcohol-related interventions in prisons [14]. Prisoners, especially those who are Indigenous, often have limited engagement with health care while in the community [15,16]. Therefore, periods of incarceration, although unfortunate, often present an opportunity to intervene with, and offer treatment to, this vulnerable group.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risky alcohol consumption prior to incarceration: A cross‐sectional study of drinking patterns among Australian prison entrants

Kerslake

Simpson

Richmond

et al. 2020

Drug and Alcohol Review

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Introduction and Aims Risky alcohol consumption is linked to poor health and criminal justice outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of risky drinking in a sample of recently incarcerated Australians. Design and Methods Consecutive cross‐sectional data were collected from prisoners residing in 19 correctional facilities in six Australian states and territories as part of the National Prison Entrants' Bloodborne Virus and Risk Behaviour Survey Report. The sample consisted of 389 prisoners (339 men, 50 women). Risky alcohol consumption was estimated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Condensed questionnaire, with a cut‐off score of ≥6. Potential correlates of risky alcohol consumption were assessed utilising univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Over one‐third (34.5%) of prisoners who were screened met the criteria for risky alcohol consumption. The five factors found to be independently and positively associated with risky alcohol consumption were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) status, incarceration in prison in the Northern Territory, heavy tobacco use, cannabis use and abstinence from drugs in the 4 weeks prior to incarceration. Additionally, risky alcohol consumption was associated with current or past hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Discussion and Conclusions The findings highlight that risky alcohol consumption is common among prisoners across Australia. This is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes and re‐offending, suggesting a need for alcohol interventions targeting prisoners.

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Drug and alcohol use and treatment for Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners: demand reduction strategies

Abstract: Very little is known about Indigenous specific drug and alcohol programs in Australian prisons.

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Hazardous alcohol consumption in non-aboriginal male inmates in New South Wales

Hazardous alcohol consumption in non-aboriginal male inmates in New South Wales

Management of withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs

Risky alcohol consumption prior to incarceration: A cross‐sectional study of drinking patterns among Australian prison entrants

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