NCJ Number
130898
Date Published
1990
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Interviews of 50 Australian prisoners who were released on methadone maintenance or without methadone and who were reincarcerated formed the basis of an analysis of the financial and emotional problems the offenders had experienced, their reasons for committing new offenses, and their experience with the methadone program.
Abstract
Seventy-two percent reported committing their current offenses for financial reasons, either to support their drug habit, for personal reasons, or both. Ten percent stated that they were using benzodiazepines and did not remember committing their offense. Another 12 percent claimed that they were innocent of the changes or were an accessory. Seventy percent said that they used drugs, usually heroin or benzodiazepines, when they committed their current offense. Those released on methadone and those not released on methadone reported similar problems including finding housing and employment and managing finances. Seventy-four percent said they received support from their families, usually emotional support. Most methadone users said that methadone helped them reduce or stop using heroin; 54 percent began their first methadone program in prison. Difficulties in daily pickups and returning to prison were the main reasons for ending methadone use. Findings indicate the need to provide inmates with knowledge and resources to support themselves in the community. Tables and 6 references