Substance Abuse in Prisons

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Drug and Substance Abuse” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “usage of drugs and substances” and its relation with “the impact they have upon prisoners and incarcerated people”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “the disastrous affects drugs and substance abuse has had on previous times” and tries to gauge its effect on “human thoughts, actions and behavior, which are living and serving their tenure in jail and correctional facilities”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “adoption of drug and substance abuse” and tries to describe the overall effect of “jailers and prisoners”.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

The problem at large4

Intake of drugs and narcotics in prisons and correctional cells5

Clinical and Programmatic Issues Involved In Treatment of Juvenile Offenders6

How do drug travel into prison cells?6

Interventions: A beacon of hope7

Treatment10

Recommendations and Further Research10

References12

Substance Abuse in Prisons

Introduction

Drug and Substance Abuse have been a constant, recurring problem in today's modern world of constant growth and expansion. Even with outstanding technologies, tools, gadgets and gizmos evolving and existing around us, it becomes relatively difficult to really identify that such problems still exist in such modern times. It must be understood that while endless measures and numerous strategies have been adopted for the purpose of eradicating this menace, it only seeks to prove that the problem and further derivatives continues to grow as a worldwide problem across the globe.

The problem at large

Drug users face a greater susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal etiologic agents that cause diseases such as syphilis, community-acquired pneumonia, herpes, hepatitis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. In addition to immunosuppressant, injection drug users (IDUs) put themselves at further risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS when sharing needles or using contaminated paraphernalia.

Epidemiological surveillance on injection drug users finds that HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B continue to afflict this population in disproportionate numbers, largely because of the sharing of hypodermic syringes among opiate-addicted individuals (Jensen et al. 1999).

The vast majority of funds allocated to the federal anti-drug funding initiatives implemented in the very territory of the United States. It is the same for the funds spent by states, municipalities and private groups. This represents a total of over thirty billion dollars a year. Federal resources devoted to the fight against drugs are divided into four main areas: treatment, prevention, enforcement and interdiction and international programs. Significant sums are also allocated to research in these areas.

It can be concluded that the War on Drug played a vital role in combating against the drug usage, production and sale. Although, it resulted in various negative scenarios, but it helped US to maintain its people and country save. The societal benefit analysis categorically delineates the benefits availed from the “War on Drug”.

In United States, primarily in 1973, Anti-Drug Authority founded DEA and made it responsible for combating illegal drugs. Since 1988, the actions of the various participating organizations, ministries and authorities by ...