Problems, needs and service provision related to stimulant use in European prisons

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine practices and policies in place for the provision of targeted prevention and treatment of cocaine and Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) users in prison in nine European countries. Methodology. Across nine European member states (Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovenia, Sweden, Malta, Ireland and Portugal), interviews were conducted with ministerial representatives and professionals (i.e. service providers and security officials) working in prisons and a total of 16 focus groups with a total of 125 prisoners. Results. The use of stimulants in prison is associated with aggression and violence, financial problems, and psychological and physical problems in prisoners (depression, anxiety and psychological craving). Both security and healthcare staff in prison often feel ill‐equipped to deal with stimulant‐related problems, leading to a lack of equivalence of care for stimulant users in prison, therefore the variety and quality of drug services outside is not reflected sufficiently inside prison. There is a need for more specific product information and harm reduction material on stimulants, for clear guidelines for the management of acute stimulant intoxication and stimulant withdrawal, for structural adjustments to improve potential diagnosis of personality and psychiatric disorders, for more non‐pharmacological treatment strategies and more opportunities for prisoners to engage in purposeful activities.

Prevalence of illicit drug use before imprisonment in Europe: results from a comprehensive literature review

“…Despite country and study differences and variations in illicit drug use prevalence between men and women, the studies of this comprehensive literature confirm a high level of illicit drug use in European countries. The high prevalence may be linked to a high burden of drug-related problems in an already vulnerable population that frequently ends up in prison (Cooper et al, 2018;Decorte, 2007;Fazel et al, 2017). Prisons may be the first place where hard to reach people with drug problems who commit crimes can get in touch with drug rehabilitation programs (Alves et al, 2016).…”

A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research Methods Used With People in Prison

“…(2009);Blagden et al (2014);Condon et al (2007);Decorte (2007);Giertsen, Nylander, Frank, Kolind, and Tourunen (2015);Kenning et al (2010);Topp et al (2016);Tzvetkova et al (2016); andWoodall (2010) Random or quasi-random 6Cobb and Farrants (2014); DeHart(2008); Einat (2009); Fogel et al (2014); Rahmah et al (2014); and Topp et al (2016) Unclear 7 Recruitment strategies (excluding self-response to advertisement) Researcher presented to group (including meetings for other purposes) 8 Aday, Krabill, and Deaton-Owens (2014); Harawa et al (2010); Harner and Riley (2013); Lewin and Farkas (2012); Saraiva et al (2011); Staton-Tindall et al (2007); and Woodall, Dixey, Green, and Newell (2009) Individual invitation by researchers (including researchers in dual roles) 22 Alves et al (2016); A. N. Chambers (2009); Earle (2011); Fogel et al (2014); Gilham (2012); Haley et al (2014); Howerton et al (2007); Kennedy (2014); Khaw et al (2007); Mjaland (2015); Pedlar, Yuen, and Fortune (2008); Plugge et al (2008); Reading and Bowen (2014); Schneider and Feltey (2009); and Treloar, McCredie, and Lloyd (2016) Health-care provider invitation/facilitation 16 Baker et al (2013); Carlson et al (2011); Castro Madariaga, Gó mez Garcés, Carrasco Parra, and Foster (2017); Einat and Rabinovitz (2013); Elisha, Idisis, and Ronel (2012); Guin (2009); Hassan et al (2013); Havnes et al (2014); Lee et al (2006); Mangnall and Yurkovich (2010); Ritter and Elger (2013); Soffer and Ajzenstadt (2010); and Yap et al (2014) Prison program leader/worker invitation 7 Billington et al (2016); Borrill et al (2005); Kerley and Copes (2009); O'Grady et al (2015); and Sondhi et al (2016) Prison staff invitation/facilitation 11 Decorte (2007); Harner and Riley (2013); Havnes et al (2014); Muessig et al (2016); Oliver and Hairston (2008); Ralphs et al (2017); Todrys and Amon (2011); Tzvetkova et al (2016); Yap et al (2014); and Zamani et al , Martell, Pyne, and Keenan (2016); Hatton et al (2006); Howerton et al (2007); Lewin and Farkas (2012); and Smirnova and Owens (2017) Refreshments/cosmetics/clothes 5 Fogel et al (2014); Oliver and Hairston (2008); Plugge et al (2008); Schonberg et al (2015); and Zamani et al (2016); Alves et al (2016); Enders et al (2005); Facchin and Margola (2016); and Harner et al (2011) Not stated 84…”