Striking subgroup differences in substance‐related mortality after release from prison

Forsyth, Simon; Alati, Rosa; Ober, Coralie; Williams, Gail M.; Kinner, Stuart A

doi:10.1111/add.12646

Cited by 25 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 18 publications

(28 reference statements)

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“…Importantly, those with a substance use disorder were significantly more likely to report intoxication at the time of their arrest. Coupled with well-established evidence of substance-related morbidity and mortality after release from custody (Kinner et al 2011; Forsyth et al 2014; Winter et al 2015) it seems logical that a focus on the provision of adequate and culturally appropriate drug and alcohol interventions would not only serve as an important public health intervention, but assist in reducing the incarceration (and re-incarceration) rate of Indigenous people (National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Council 2014; Kinner and Wang 2014). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The return to risky substance use after release from custody is common and predictable (Kinner 2006; Thomas et al 2013), as is the high rate of mortality and morbidly of Indigenous Australians following release from custody (Kinner et al 2011; Alan et al 2011; Forsyth et al 2014). A recent national review of supply, demand and harm reduction strategies in Australian prisons identified limitations in culturally appropriate approaches to drug and alcohol services for Indigenous Australians and no substantial focus on continuity of care into the community (Rodas et al 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Substance use disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody: a public health opportunity

Heffernan

Davidson²,

Andersen³

et al. 2016

Health Justice

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BackgroundTo describe the prevalence, type, and mental health correlates of substance use disorders in a large sample of incarcerated Indigenous Australians.MethodsAn epidemiological survey of the mental health of Indigenous people in custody in the state of Queensland, Australia was conducted using culturally informed methods. The prevalence, type and mental health correlates of substance use disorders were determined using a diagnostic interview and questionnaire.ResultsIn a sample of 396 Indigenous people (331 males, 65 females) the prevalence of any substance use disorder was 66%. Alcohol dependence (males 47%, females 55%) was the most common type of substance use disorder, followed by cannabis dependence (males 20%, females 26%). Mental illness (anxiety, depression and psychotic disorder), and lifetime suicide thoughts and attempts, were significantly more likely among those with a substance use disorder. The majority of the sample reported intoxication with alcohol (70%) and/or other drugs (51%) at the time of arrest. Most individuals (87%) had not accessed alcohol and other drug services in the 12 months prior to custody.ConclusionsSubstance dependence was common in this sample and was associated with other forms of mental health adversity, yet most individuals reported no access to health services prior to incarceration. Effectively responding to substance dependence for Indigenous Australians is a public health and criminal justice priority. Culturally capable alcohol and other drug treatment services in custody and in the community are critical, and should be co-located and coordinated with mental health services.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance use disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody: a public health opportunity

Heffernan

Davidson²,

Andersen³

et al. 2016

Health Justice

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, problematic drug use significantly predicted violent re-offending. Substance abuse is regularly linked to criminal behaviour for Aboriginal offenders (AIHW 2015b; Ferrante 2013; Indig et al 2010) and post-release mortality (Forsyth et al 2014). Findings suggest that substance abuse treatment in prison appears to not be meeting the needs of Indigenous prisoners.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders?

2016

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BackgroundThe over-representation of Indigenous Australians in custody is well documented, yet little is known about whether the health and social needs of Indigenous prisoners are met in correctional facilities. This study sought to identify common areas of need in a representative sample of Indigenous people in custody, and consider how well prison services were addressing these issues.MethodsThe sample comprised 122 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody in Victoria. Participants were administered the Camberwell Assessment of Need Forensic-Short Version to ascertain the presence or absence of needs in custody. Statistical analyses to determine associations with re-offence were conducted.ResultsFindings indicated that prisons were able to meet the non-criminogenic needs of many offenders; however there was a limited capacity to address specific criminogenic needs. Psychological distress, substance abuse, poor treatment adherence and threatening behaviours were considered ongoing needs regardless of supports/interventions being provided. Moreover, these four unaddressed needs were all associated with future recidivism.ConclusionsEffective prison treatment services focusing on these four areas of need are urgently required. Such initiatives require continuation post-release combined with additional assistance to uphold basic non-criminogenic needs acquired in prison.

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“…For ex-prisoners the post-release period is associated with a high risk of poor health and social outcomes, high rates of hospitalisation for mental health problems, substance-related problems and injury, and a markedly increased risk of death, most often due to drug overdose, suicide or preventable injury (Alan, Burmas, Preen, & Pfaff, 2011;Cutcher, Degenhardt, Alati, & Kinner, 2014;Forsyth, Alati, Ober, Williams, & Kinner, 2014). Research and service delivery attention is increasingly being directed toward examining programmes that may improve access to health services, reduce mortality and produce better outcomes when individuals are transitioning to the community (Angell, Matthews, Barrenger, Watson, & Draine, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From Custody to Community: Outcomes of Community-Based Support for Mentally Ill Prisoners

Green

Denton

Heffernan

et al. 2016

Psychiatry, Psychology and Law

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Striking subgroup differences in substance‐related mortality after release from prison

Abstract: In Australia, patterns of substance-related death in ex-prisoners differ markedly according to Indigenous status. Efforts to prevent substance-related deaths in ex-prisoners should consider heterogeneity in the target population and tailor responses accordingly.

Cited by 25 publications

References 18 publications

Substance use disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody: a public health opportunity

Substance use disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody: a public health opportunity

Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders?

From Custody to Community: Outcomes of Community-Based Support for Mentally Ill Prisoners

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