This document discusses health issues among incarcerated populations. It notes that over 50% of incarcerated individuals struggle with substance abuse, and that providing treatment programs can significantly reduce relapse. However, many individuals released from prison experience high relapse rates when treatment is unavailable. The document also addresses high rates of mental illness, chronic diseases, and infectious diseases among incarcerated populations compared to the general public. Reasons for these disparities include lack of healthcare access, exposure to abuse or violence, and high-risk behaviors. The document argues that providing appropriate treatment and preventative healthcare programs during and after incarceration could help address these issues.
3. The rate of drug dependency and abuse in
correctional populations is well over 50%.
Despite such high rates, there is evidence
that treatment can significantly reduce future
drug abuse.
Studies show that a number of people leaving
prison around the world experience a high
relapse rate when treatment was not
available.
4. Problem Reason Treatment
High rate of dependency
and abuse in correctional
institutions.
A significant number of
crimes are committed
under the influence of
drugs. Typically an
experienced criminal is
also a drug abuser.
Detoxification. Peer
counseling and self-help
programs. Mental and
behavioral counseling.
Can treatment help
criminals, or is it a waste
of money and time?
With the right treatment
plan specialized to meet
the individuals needs can
help “criminals” with
substance abuse.
Studies show that a
number of people leaving
prison around the world
experience a high relapse
rate when treatment was
not available.
Criminals fall back into
old habits and around old
environments that
influence substance
abuse, and without the
tools to overcome these
pressures, they relapse.
Continued treatment
plans should be followed.
Family support and
education.
5. PTSD is most common among women in the
criminal justice system.
People with serious psychiatric needs are
more likely to be housed in solitary
confinement.
Seventeen percent of incarcerated women
with mental illness become homeless upon
release.
6. Problem Reason Treatment
(PTSD) post-traumatic
stress disorder is
highly prevalent
among incarcerated
women.
Nearly one-third
experience physical or
sexual abuse prior to
becoming
incarcerated.
Counseling and
prescribed
medications.
17% of women with
psychiatric needs are
placed in solitary
confinement.
They pose a threat to
themselves and
others, they are much
more likely to commit
suicide.
Protection for the
individual and others
around.
Homeless rate among
past convicts is high.
The lack of mental
stability, harms the
released convicts and
prevents them from
being able to function
in society.
Education and family
support. Counseling
7. Studies show a higher rate of many chronic
medical conditions, including; hypertension,
asthma, arthritis, cancer, and hepatitis.
Women account for more health problems in
correctional institutions over men.
Prisons and jails are holding an aging
population.
8. Problem Reason Treatment
High rate of chronic
medical conditions.
Inadequate healthcare
and rules and
regulations as to how
to treat. The most
effective methods
might not be allowed.
Followed prescribed
treatment plans and
routine checkups.
Women are more at
risk of chronic
diseases than men.
Preventative
healthcare
Prisons and jails are
holding an aging
population. With age,
comes more chronic
illnesses
The total state and
federal prisoners aged
55years and older has
grown by 282%
None
9. HIV prevalence is 5 times higher than that of
general population.
Hepatitis C is 9 to 10 times higher than that
of general population.
Syphilis is higher among women incarcerated
rather than that of general population.
10. Problem Reason Treatment
High HIV rate The
proportion of
prisoners who injected
drugs prior to
imprisonment, and the
level of HIV infection
among people in
the community as a
whole that inject
drugs.
Personal protection,
education, prescribed
treatment plans and
medications. Routine
checkups
High Hepatitis C rate Sexual activity and
tattooing inside the
prisons.
Personal protection,
education, and
prescribed treatment
plans and
medications. Routine
checkups.
High rate of syphilis Transmission of
syphilis occurs during
Personal protection,
education, and
