NCJ Number
141379
Date Published
1992
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper describes research conducted to examine patterns of drug-alcohol use by incarcerated women in Hawaii.
Abstract
The research sought to identify the number and type of drug users in Hawaii's prisons in order to facilitate the referral of selected prisoners for treatment. Data were collected in two surveys: random samples of about 20 percent of incarcerated felons (320 men and 31 women) in eight correctional facilities during December 1990 and January 1991; and individual interviews in reception assessment and diagnostic units with every sentenced felon from March through August 1991. The study examined drug types used, pattern and frequency of such use, and combinations most often used with alcohol. Surveyed prisoners and newly admitted inmates reported the most popular drugs as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ice, and hallucinogens (usually acid). Most women were serving time for drug and property offenses, while men were serving time for violent offenses. While both men and women had extensive drug use histories, more women than men reported having used heroin, cocaine, crack, or ice. More than half the women said they committed an offense to raise money for drug use. Half of the women indicated they had been physically abused as children, and about one- third had seen a counselor about some type of abuse as an adult. Many women who used seriously addicting drugs had been pregnant, and a significant number had multiple pregnancies. Almost 25 percent admitted they had used alcohol during pregnancy, and 13 percent used it several times a week. The majority of women had previously been in drug and alcohol treatment programs. Treatment issues for drug-using female inmates in Hawaii are discussed. 23 references and 2 tables