Impulsivity and Alcohol and Other Drugs Among Adult Inmates: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Criminology

Background:

• A significant portion of the incarcerated population faces charges related to substance offenses.
• Understanding the interplay between impulsivity and substance use in this demographic is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the relationship between impulsivity and alcohol/drug use in incarcerated adults.
• To explore the role of cognitive neuroscience in understanding this association within populations exhibiting deviant behavior.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched major databases (PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science) for relevant studies.
• Included 547 studies initially, with nine selected for final analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between impulsivity and a history of substance use.
• Higher levels of substance consumption correlated with stronger associations.
• Low educational attainment was a common characteristic in the studied incarcerated population.

Conclusions:

• Prevention and intervention strategies should integrate neuropsychological and educational components.
• These integrated approaches are fundamental for successful treatment and social reintegration of incarcerated individuals.
• Further research can build upon these findings to develop targeted interventions.