Characteristics of Substance Use Screening at Intake in a Sample of U.S. Jails

Despite high rates of substance use among justice-involved populations, the use of substance screening tools in justice settings varies.

Data are from the National Jail Health Care Study, which surveyed jails across the U.S. about their health care practices (n=371). Jails were asked to voluntarily submit their medical intake forms. A content analysis of intake forms (n=63) specific to questions about substance use was completed.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of intake forms used non-standardized questions to assess current substance use, and 27% did not ask any questions about substance use. Alcohol use was most assessed (52%), followed by tobacco (30%), and marijuana (22%). Less than 11% of jails asked about use of opioids and 40% of forms asked about withdrawal history.

The lack of adequate substance use screening in jails hinders identification of substance use disorders, potential for withdrawal symptoms, and appropriate connection to treatment resources.