Nationwide Profile of Female Inmate Substance Involvement

• NCJ Number: 158415
• Journal: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1984) Pages: 319-326
• Author(s): R E Miller
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Drug Enforcement Admin
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This article reports on the findings of a survey of State prison inmates that included questions on inmate drug use and treatment; the focus of this report is on patterns of drug use and treatment for female inmates.

Abstract

The U.S. Bureau of the Census surveyed State prisons at the request of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (1979). The survey involved personal interviews with inmates nationwide and produced data on 993 variables, including health care and substance involvement. In this report, gender was cross-tabulated with 61 variables on background, criminality, past/present substance involvement, access to health care, and participation in substance abuse treatment and psychosocial counseling. To develop a nationwide profile of female inmate substance abuse patterns, results have been compared to previously reported findings on the male inmate. Evidence from this investigation supports the description of the characteristics of female inmates: young, insufficiently educated, unmarried, and mothers. Typically, they have had difficulty seeking and securing employment. Licit and illicit substance use/abuse pervade their lifestyle. Prison and jail health specialists consider substance abuse the most common health problem of inmates, with alcohol being by far the most abused substance. In this nationwide profile, a greater portion of female than male inmates was using heroin and methadone daily. Current participation in drug treatment was indicated by a slightly higher percentage of female than male inmates. In preparation for prison/jail release, drug rehabilitation centers should provide numerous structured activities to teach and train these women in social, academic, and vocational skills. These efforts have substantially lowered recidivism and relapse rates among female offenders. Substance abuse counselors should collaborate with health care personnel in monitoring female inmates' access to licit substances within the penal setting. 27 references