Recidivism among male subjects incarcerated for illicit drug use in Taiwan

Abstract

Illicit drug users are generally considered both patients and criminals in Taiwan. This study presents drug use behaviors and criminal recidivism of male subjects incarcerated for illicit drug use in Taiwan after detoxification at a detention center. This study also examined the relationship between drug use behaviors and subsequent recidivism. Charts and crime records of 794 male patients from the acute detoxification unit in a detention center in northern Taiwan were reviewed. These subjects were incarcerated for methamphetamine or/and heroin use. The authors examined the relationship between the variables collected during detoxification and subsequent recidivism of illicit drug use in the following 5 years after detoxification. Of 794 subjects, 539 (67.9%) were repeat offenders during the following 5 years after detoxification. Their recidivism occurred primarily within the first 2 years after being released into the community. The recidivism rate for heroin users was significantly higher than that of methamphetamine users. Aged under 30 years, a previous criminal record, and a positive urine analyses test for illicit drugs upon entering the detoxification unit were significantly associated with recidivism. Recidivism rates of illicit drug users in Taiwan after detoxification in the detention center were substantially high. The efficacy of detoxification programs at detention centers in Taiwan needs to be re-evaluated.

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to the Readiness to Change Blood‐Borne Virus Transmission Behaviors among Drug‐Dependent Inmates

“…However, the current study indicates that length of residency in the detoxification program was not associated with the stage of change, decisional balance, and self‐efficacy for illicit drug use. The reported recidivism rates during the 5‐year follow‐up after detoxification at detention centers in Taiwan were 64.7% for methamphetamine users and 80.1% for heroin users 5 . The study findings are similar to a study in China that found that the number of detoxification treatments was not associated with any decrease in drug practices or unprotected sex 37 .…”

“…Two 6-item scales measure the pros and cons of making a decision to use illicit drugs and condoms. Each item is ranked on a 5point Likert scale, ranging from extremely important (1) to not important (5). The reliability of the previous study has been reported for both pro and con items (Pros: alpha = .86; Cons: alpha = .87).…”

“…The detention center provides classes in psychological adjustment and preparation for release, such as health promotion education, supportive psychotherapy, occupational training, citizenship, and seminars on moral and religious integrity 20 . Despite these programs, studies indicate that over two‐thirds of drug users in Taiwan and China relapse within two years of detoxification 5,21 . High‐risk behaviors aid in the transmission of blood‐borne virus transmission.…”

“…During 2006-2008, 67% of the 5,225 newly diagnosed HIV-infected IDUs were incarcerated. 4 Heroin and methamphetamine are the main illicit drugs used in Taiwan, 5 and an increasing trend was found for heroin injection during 1999-2002. 6 Sharing similar transmission routes, IDUs are at high risk for other blood-borne virus infections, such as hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).…”

“…20 Despite these programs, studies indicate that over two-thirds of drug users in Taiwan and China relapse within two years of detoxification. 5,21 Highrisk behaviors aid in the transmission of blood-borne virus transmission. With the increase in HIV prevalence and the long-term failure of inmate detoxification programs, it is important to examine the impact of forced detention programs on the readiness of drug-dependent inmates to change risky behaviors.…”