Substance Use, Health, and Mental Health: Problems and Service Utilization Among Incarcerated Women

• NCJ Number: 199851
• Journal: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 47 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2003 Pages: 224-239
• Author(s): Michele Staton; Carl Leukefeld; J. Matthew Webster
• Date Published: April 2003
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the lifetime substance abuse, health, and mental health problems of a sample of incarcerated females in Kentucky, as well as their lifetime utilization of treatment services.

Abstract

Women represent the fastest growing prison population in the United States. This is due mainly to drug use and drug-related offenses. The number of women arrested for drug-related offenses increased by 82 percent from 1982 to 1991. Although the research literature contains well-documented data concerning the frequency of drug use, health problems, and mental health problems among incarcerated women, it is relatively silent about their utilization of treatment services prior to incarceration and during their prison terms. The current study presented data concerning the self-reported substance abuse, health, and mental health problems among 60 women incarcerated in the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women. Data were also presented regarding their lifetime utilization of treatment services prior to their incarceration. Statistical analyses of this self-reported data revealed that 85 percent of the respondents reported multiple drug use in the month prior to their incarceration. The most pervasive health issues reported by the respondents included drug problems, female reproductive problems, physical injuries and accidents, and mental health problems. In terms of lifetime utilization of treatment services, 80 percent of the respondents reported seeking substance abuse treatment and about half reported seeking mental health treatment. Respondents also reported moderate use of emergency room utilization. The authors note that this research indicates that additional prison-based health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services may be needed in order to treat problems not addressed in the community. Follow-up studies with women offenders post-release should be pursued in order to implement effective aftercare treatment services for women offenders. Tables, references