Social Support Among Offenders With Substance Abuse Problems: Overlooked and Underused?

Abstract

The author examined correlates of social support among 101 offenders in corrections-based treatment programs. Respondents perceived high levels of support despite numerous interpersonal problems. Social support was significantly associated with visits, letters, arrests, and days in treatment ( p < .05).The author describes strategies for implementing family-oriented interventions in corrections-based programs.In this study, I examine social support among male and female inmates in institutionbased substance abuse treatment programs. Although the correctional population is saturated with persons who abuse drugs and alcohol, investigations examining inmates' community ties and social support have not considered the negative interpersonal consequences of substance abuse. In addition to other biopsychosocial problems, the interpersonal relationships of many offenders who have substance abuse problems have been severely strained as a result of the behaviors associated with chronic alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana use (Mumola, 1999). The literature suggests that inmates with substance abuse problems have alienated their loved ones and are subsequently isolated from everyone except fellow addicts and criminals. This is an untested belief. In fact, research with inmates who are involved with illegal drugs primarily focuses on program outcomes and recidivism, not on their interpersonal relationships and support networks. This gap in the literature persists despite the fact that family and community ties have long been regarded as potential rehabilitative tools for inmates (Hairston, 1997). The purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore an overlooked area in which two critical correctional issues intersect: social support and offenders in substance abuse treatment. Literature ReviewMumola (1999) estimated that among state prisoners with a history of substance abuse ( N = 729,578), approximately one third were enrolled in some type of drug treatment program in 1997 ( n = 232,006; 31.8%). This relatively recent trend toward prison-based efforts to facilitate the offender's postrelease success was spawned, in part, by the documented deleterious consequences of crack cocaine

A Pilot Study of a Brief Motivational Intervention for Incarcerated Drinkers

“…Having a larger percentage of non-drinking friends in the network has been linked with better treatment outcomes (Zywiak, Longabaugh, & Wirtz, 2002) and, similarly, having more drinking friends has been associated with poorer outcomes (Mohr, Averna, Kenny, & Del Boca, 2001). Researchers also have highlighted the importance of social networks for offenders (Lemieux, 2002; Litt & Mallon, 2003). Owens and McCrady (2014) found that reductions in the proportions of heavy drug users in the social network mediated substance use from pre- to post-incarceration and that the first month was the most critical time for implementing changes in the social network after release from jail.…”

John Henryism Active Coping as a Cultural Correlate of Substance Abuse Treatment Participation Among African American Women

“…Hunter, Robison, & Jason, 2012), and can serve as an important protective factor for persons with substance abuse problems. However, substance users are more likely to be alienated from their non-using social networks and report significant relational problems (Lemieux, 2002). Kuo and colleagues (2013) found family members to be both supportive and unsupportive.…”

The Role of the Social Environment in Alcohol or Drug Relapse of Probationers Recently Released From Jail

“…10,11 Other studies have found that unstable social networks, such as marriages or employment, were associated with drug relapses of parolees released from prison. 12-14 These findings provide evidence that social support plays a role in the lives of recently incarcerated offenders, and may suggest a beneficial area for intervention for this population.…”