Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
Substance abuse and prisons
The EMCDDA estimates that at least half of the EU’s 356,000 prison
population has a drug history and many of those entering prison
have a severe drug problem, this issue affects a considerable
number of prisoners. In Ireland, a national census survey in 1999
reported that 52% of prisoners reported a history of opiate use and
43% reported a history of injecting drug use (Allwright at al, 1999).
Imprisonment has been found to impact on an individual’s pattern
of drug use (Dillon, 2001). As many as one in three drug users
inject in prison, some for the first time (O’ Mahony (1997) and
Allwright at al 1999).
Imprisonment and Drug Use
� On entering prison drug use decreased
� Main reason is the lack of availability 61% reported this
� 14% were attempting to stay off drugs
� 13% of inmates reported not being able to afford drugs.
� 6% reported reduced use due to concerns about punishment.
� The act of imprisonment may encourage inmates to address their
use
� Cannabis is the most widely taken substance used before and
during custody
� Heroin was used by a substantial proportion (27%)
(Ramsay2003)
Reasons for use in prison
� Relaxation
� Relief of boredom
� Enjoyment
� Cultural
� Be part of a group
� Calming effects
� Choices are removed
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