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Outcomes of Offenders With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders and Mental Disorders
Geoff Wilton1, Lynn A Stewart1
1The authors are with Correctional Service Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Send correspondence to Dr. Stewart (e-mail: lynn_stewart@sympatico.ca ).
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|March 16, 2017
Summary
Co-occurring mental and substance use disorders in federal offenders are linked to the worst correctional outcomes. Substance use disorders are a key factor in poorer outcomes for individuals with mental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Correctional Services Research
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- The link between mental disorders and correctional outcomes is debated.
- Understanding the impact of substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring disorders is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent to which mental disorders, SUDs, and co-occurring disorders affect correctional outcomes.
- To inform optimal treatment strategies and enhance public safety.
Main Methods:
- Compared four groups of Canadian federal offenders (N=715): mental disorder only, SUD only, co-occurring disorders, and no disorder.
- Analyzed criminal histories, institutional charges, and reconviction rates using chi-square tests and Cox regression, controlling for risk factors.
Main Results:
- Offenders with co-occurring disorders exhibited the most extensive criminal histories and highest rates of institutional charges, segregation, and reconvictions.
- Offenders with mental disorders only had outcomes between those with SUDs only and those with no disorder.
Conclusions:
- Substance use disorders are a significant contributor to poorer correctional outcomes among offenders with mental disorders.
- Correctional psychiatric services must screen for SUDs and provide treatment to improve offender well-being and public safety.
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