Proposed therapy for treating dual diagnosis in a prison setting

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Criminology
• Psychology

Background:

• Dual diagnosis in correctional facilities presents complex treatment challenges.
• Integrated therapeutic approaches are crucial for managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in inmates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel therapeutic tool combining group and individual therapy for inmates with dual diagnosis.
• To assess the intervention's impact on reducing substance use, improving psychological symptoms, and decreasing conflict.

Main Methods:

• A pre-experimental mixed-methods study involving 54 male inmates in a prison mental health module (2017-2023).
• Intervention comprised 20 group and 5 individual sessions per inmate, utilizing motivational interviewing, social isolation, and relapse prevention.
• Data collected via initial evaluations, session records, and final questionnaires; analyzed using qualitative and quantitative software.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation (r = 0.656, P <0.001) was found between mental health issues and substance use.
• The therapy demonstrated significant improvements in substance use reduction, psychological symptom relief, and decreased module conflict.

Conclusions:

• The integrated therapeutic intervention proved effective for inmates with dual diagnosis.
• Treatment adaptation, methodological consistency, and topic customization are vital for success.
• Recommends specific staff training and future research on combining psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy.