Forensic patients’ experiences of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs) within custodial settings

Abstract

The team would like to thank all those who assisted in helping to facilitate this study. We would also like to thank the participants who took part in this study, without you this would not be possible, thank you for sharing your experiences.

A global review of prison drug smuggling routes and trends in the usage of drugs in prisons

“…Depending on the location and architectural design of the prison (Dillon, 2001; O'Hagan & Hardwick, 2017), over the perimeter, often referred to as “throwovers,” can be one of the most common routes of smuggling (EMCDDA, 2002; Rogers et al, 2022; Tompkins, 2016; Wakeling & Lynch, 2020; Watson, 2016). Prisoners will often coordinate the throwover with their partners outside the prison using illicit mobile phones smuggled into the prison (Crewe, 2006; O'Hagan & Hardwick, 2017) and then stage a distraction, such as a fight, to cover for the throwover and collection by a prisoner (O'Hagan & Hardwick, 2017).…”

“…Depending on the location and architectural design of the prison (Dillon, 2001;O'Hagan & Hardwick, 2017), over the perimeter, often referred to as "throwovers," can be one of the most common routes of smuggling (EMCDDA, 2002;Rogers et al, 2022;Tompkins, 2016;Wakeling & Lynch, 2020;Watson, 2016). Prisoners will often coordinate the throwover with T A B L E 2 Allegations and sustained allegations against staff, contractors, and volunteers for the introduction of contraband to the US Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).…”

“…Multiple self‐report studies have found it to be uncommon for prisoners to initiate drug use in prison with approximately 1.0%–15.6% of prisoners who report drug use in prison initiating in prison (Dillon, 2001; Dos Santos et al 2014; Bukten et al, 2020; Nevárez‐Sida et al, 2012) with heroin (over 25% of lifetime heroin users initiating in prison), cocaine (roughly 10% of lifetime cocaine/crack users initiating in prison), and SCRAs being the most commonly stated drugs to be initiated in prison (Boys et al, 2002; Lukasiewicz et al, 2007; Rogers et al, 2022). However, prisoners are more likely to consume drugs the longer they are incarcerated, with drug initiation and prevalence rates higher among prisoners who have served over a year (Borrill et al, 2003; Nevárez‐Sida et al, 2012).…”

“…However, imprisonment alone is associated with a number of problems that can encourage drug use as a coping mechanism, such as the stressful prison environment, feelings of loneliness, and feelings of lack of control over their life. The other main reasons for drug use in prison have been found to be to relieve boredom and pass time, relieve insomnia, and manage withdrawal symptoms (Boys et al, 2002; Bullock, 2003; Calzavara et al, 2003; Cope, 2000, 2003; Dillon, 2001; dos Santos et al, 2014; Duke & Trebilcock, 2022; George et al, 2009; Gryczynski et al, 2021; Kolind, 2013; Mjåland, 2016; Monico et al, 2021; O'Hagan & Hardwick, 2017; Penfold et al, 2005; Ritter et al, 2013; Rogers et al, 2022; Rousselet et al, 2019; Wakeling & Lynch, 2020).…”