A survey of alcohol vulnerability of male prison inmates in Nigeria

Abstract

Alcohol and substance abuse has been linked with criminal behavior particularly recidivism.. Criminal recidivism is the act of re-offending or persistent involvement in criminal activities. The study investigated the effect of alcohol abuse on the recidivism risk levels, number of times convicted/imprisoned and nature of offence of prison inmates in Nigeria. The Self Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) was administered to 1200 inmates in six prisons across Nigeria. The results of the study revealed that alcohol/substance abuse has significant effect on the recidivism risk levels and the number of times convicted among inmates. However alcohol has no significant effect on the nature of inmates’ offense. The study recommends the need for the Nigerian Prisons Service to commence programmes targeted towards treatment of alcohol /substance abuse,. Keywords: alcohol, criminal recidivism, prison inmates.