Self-Reported Psychiatric Treatment Needs Among Felony Drug Offenders

Abstract

Among 280 felony drug sale offenders with substance use disorders, self-reported psychiatric treatment, medication, and symptoms yielded estimates that 40% to 60% had comorbid psychiatric disorders. Two thirds reported recent psychiatric symptoms or emotional problems, or were troubled by these symptoms/problems, and more than one third of them felt they needed psychiatric treatment; only 4 were currently receiving treatment. More than two thirds of those reporting current symptomatology and a need for mental health treatment had never received treatment. Offenders who reported a need for treatment were more likely to recently experience cognitive difficulties, mental or emotional problems, or be troubled by psychiatric symptoms. Those reporting current treatment need were more likely to have a history of outpatient psychiatric treatment. The strongest predictor for self-reported psychiatric treatment need was being troubled by psychiatric symptoms, independently or in combination with recent cognitive difficulties, experiencing any emotional problems recently, or outpatient treatment history.

Why Do Some Jail Inmates Not Engage in Treatment and Services?

“…Treatment availability is especially likely to be limited in local jails as opposed to state and federal prisons (Taxman, Perdoni & Harrison, 2007), and in smaller as opposed to larger jails (Steadman & Veysey, 1997). Appropriate treatment is often not available for certain subgroups of inmates, such as the severely mentally ill (Lamb, Weinberger & Gross, 2004) and inmates with co-occurring disorders (Belenko, Lang & O’Connor, 2003; Peters, LeVasseur & Chandler, 2004). Even when programs are offered, there may be long wait lists for appropriate services.…”

Treatment Programmes for Substance Abusing Offenders in Europe: A Survey of Routine Practice

“…Koehler et al 2014). Additionally, offenders often have comorbid disorders and abuse multiple substances, necessitating the application of multiple and possibly integrated treatment modalities (Belenko et al 2003). Treatments may combine different modalities in order to address a multiplicity of needs.…”

Failure After Success

“…increases the individual's risk of failure to achieve abstinence, and of relapsing after treatment (Belenko, Lang, & O'Connor, 2003). Although mandated clients of residential drug treatment are, in general, much less likely to return to crime than treatment dropouts or non-treated offenders Dynia & Sung, 2000), a few static and dynamic factors can undermine treatment effects and derail the recovery process.…”

“…It is also important to assess for comorbidity during the initial screening of diversion candidates, and to refer offenders dually diagnosed with drug abuse and mental health disorders to specialized treatment programs (Belenko et al, 2003). When differential treatment options and specialized aftercare services become available to diversion programs such as DTAP, further declines in individual recidivism and aggregate crime levels are more likely, and post-treatment failure minimized for those who successfully complete long-term treatment.…”