Triple Stigma: Persons with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Problems in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This article offers a review of the literature that exists on individuals with dual diagnosis and discusses policies creating the trajectories for mentally ill individuals with substance abuse problems and their community reentry after involvement with the criminal justice system. For this analysis, basic comparisons are made across mentally ill individuals involved with the criminal justice system and the dually diagnosed portion of the population and an analysis of the current trajectory and post-incarceration disposition of the dually diagnosed group. The differences between offenders with mental illness and the dually diagnosed are pronounced. The dually diagnosed are more likely to be serving sentences related to their substance use, to be homeless and violate probation after release, and recidivate to correctional custody. An examination of substance abuse histories, short-term community outcomes, and service trends 3 months postrelease suggests public policy and social service directions.

Diagnostic profiles of offenders in substance abuse treatment programs

“…In one recent study, over three-quarters of inmates with a severe mental disorder also had a cooccurring substance-related disorder; these inmates were more likely to be homeless and to be charged with violent crimes than were other inmates (McNiel, Binder, & Robinson, 2005). A recent review of research that compared offenders with only a mental illness and those with CODs found that those with multiple disorders were more likely to be serving sentences related to their substance use, to be homeless, to violate probation after release, and to recidivate to correctional custody (Hartwell, 2004). Similarly, in a study of over 8,500 offenders in prisonbased therapeutic community substance abuse treatment in California, individuals with CODs were more likely to be under the influence when arrested.…”

Perceptions of treatment among offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use: The possible relevance of psychopathic personality traits

“…Thus, this population may require support regarding employment and housing as well as interventions that target mental health problems, problematic substance use, and criminal behavior. The need to develop strategies for treatment, support, and crime prevention particularly targeting these individuals has been repeatedly highlighted [14][15][16].…”

“…Substance abuse is common among offenders with mental health problems [3,14]. Offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use 1 have multiple treatment needs [14,15].…”

“…Offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use 1 have multiple treatment needs [14,15]. After release from prison or forensic psychiatric care, many end up homeless and unemployed, and have a high risk of recidivating into criminal behavior.…”

Reducing the incarceration of the homeless : an examination of multi-service use and the utilization of institutional services.

“…According to Fitzpatrick and Myrstol (2011), "the problems of heavy drinking, illicit drug use, and mental illness are also heavily concentrated among those housed in lOCal jails and prisons" (p. 276). The rate of substance abuse and mental illness for inmates ranges between 10% and 90% (Golder et al, 2006;Hartwell, 2004;Kubiak et aI., 2011). Golder et ai.…”