Substance use is closely linked to criminal activity, oftentimes leading to imprisonment. Incarceration can represent a stable period and it is assumed that imprisonment impacts the frequency of abuse and encourages a change in substance of choice. Treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs) are generally less accessible in prisons, despite frequently occurring relapse to problematic drug use after release. Therefore, SUDs should be identified and addressed prior to release from imprisonment and. Although SUDs are treatable, the extent to which treatment should be offered during prison is unclear and depends on factors including motivation to change, time of sentence and drugs of choice. We employ data from the Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction (NorMA) Study, a cross-sectional survey of 1499 imprisoned individuals. Respondents reported mental health and drug use (narcotics and non-prescribed medications) both before and during imprisonment. Data are presented from DUDIT-E (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, Extended) and self-reported drug use before and during imprisonment to describe changes in use patterns, perceived cognitive dissonance and motivation to change. We explore variation by prisoner status, sentence length and time since incarceration. Implications for correctional and substance abuse policy in Norway, informed by these data, are discussed.
Authors: Jordan M. Hyatt, Philipp Lobmaier, Synøve N. Andersen, Marianne Stavseth & Anne Bukten.