Assessment of Japanese Stimulant Control Law Offenders Using the Addiction Severity Index—Japanese Version: Comparison with Patients in Treatment Settings

Takashi Watanabe,Takehiro Koga,Eiichi Senoo,Kazutaka Ikeda,Kazuhiko Nakamura,Norio Mori,Yasukazu Ogai

doi:10.3390/ijerph6123056

Abstract

The present study assessed problems in Japanese prisoners (inmates) who abused methamphetamine. Fifty-two male inmates were assessed in 2005–2007 using the Addiction Severity Index-Japanese version and compared with 55 male methamphetamine abusers in hospitals and recovery centers. The χ2 and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests showed that the inmates had a significantly lower education level, more frequently had full-time jobs, had more experience living with a sexual partner, and more frequently had a history of juvenile delinquency and criminal records than patients. Although psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and hallucinations, were not common among inmates, suicidal behavior and trouble controlling violence were common in both groups.

Highlights

The production, trafficking, and use of amphetamine-type stimulants have increased significantly since the 1990s throughout East Asia and the Pacific countries [1]
The most prevalent amphetamine-type stimulant in East Asia is methamphetamine, the principal drug involved in drug abuse cases in
The inmates more frequently had a history of juvenile delinquency and had more criminal charges of illicit drug use that resulted in conviction than patients

Summary

Introduction

The production, trafficking, and use of amphetamine-type stimulants have increased significantly since the 1990s throughout East Asia and the Pacific countries [1]. The most prevalent amphetamine-type stimulant in East Asia is methamphetamine, the principal drug involved in drug abuse cases in. Japan [2,3]. Stimulant dependence presents a serious problem, for patients, and for Japanese society [4]. About 25% of convicted prisoners committed offenses under the Stimulant Control Law [5]. Many Japanese methamphetamine abusers have received only punishment rather than medical treatment [3], drug-abuse problems in inmates have not been sufficiently investigated. Appropriate assessment and treatment of substance abuse have not been provided in Japanese prisons, partly because the number of inmates in Japan exceeds prison capacity

Methods

Results

Conclusion