DSM-5 Substance Use Disorders and Offense Types Among Women in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

The majority of research on connections between substance use and offending has been conducted among men, and newly adopted Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders have not yet been examined in the criminal justice population. The current study utilized the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities to assess the connection between DSM-5 alcohol and drug use disorders (DUDs) and the types of offenses for which women were incarcerated. Results show severe alcohol use disorders were significantly associated with violent offenses while severe DUDs were more likely to contribute to property and drug-related offenses. These findings have direct implications for DSM-5 substance use disorder assessment and treatment programming for incarcerated women.