Self-Identified Alcohol Abusers in a Low-Security Federal Prison: Characteristics and Treatment Implications

Abstract

One hundred fifteen male inmates arriving at a low-security federal correctional institution in 1998 completed the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST) as part of a standard psychological intake battery that included a background questionnaire, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, Version 3 (MCMI-III), and the Conflict Tactics Scale. The majority of inmates screened positive for alcohol problems on the MAST (61%). Self-identified alcohol abusers were more likely to evidence antisocial personality patterns, anxiety disorders, domestic violence histories, and other substance misuse. Roughly 1 in 4 (24%) showed a combination of antisocial personality and low anxiety on the MCMI, suggestive of primary psychopathic disorder. The findings suggest that low-security inmates who screen positive on the MAST often present with other substance use problems, personality pathology, and domestic violence histories that potentially inform treatment efforts by mental health professionals in federal prisons.