Abstract
Background. This study aimed to map differences between male and female offenders with substance abuse, with respect to descriptive characteristics and risk factors for mortality and criminal recidivism. Methods. Criminal justice clients with substance abuse problems (n = 7085) were interviewed with the Addiction Severity Index. Mortality and data on return to criminal justice were retrieved from national registers. Results. Female offenders reported heavier substance use patterns, more psychiatric symptoms, and more often a partner with substance abuse, but had lower mortality (2% versus 4%) and criminal recidivism (62% versus 71%) during follow-up. Having a substance-abusing partner was associated with criminal recidivism among females. Conclusions. Female offenders with substance abuse differ from their male counterparts. Males and females had different risk factors for criminal recidivism.
Highlights
Substance abuse is common in criminal justice populations
A recent survey carried out on a national level with the purpose of identifying characteristics of the clients in the Swedish criminal justice system found that 70% of all clients had substance abuse problems, with a slightly lower percentage among female clients compared to the whole group (67%) [2]
The findings suggest that female clients in the criminal justice system differ from their male counterparts in a number of aspects
Summary
Substance abuse is common in criminal justice populations. In a review article from 2006, Fazel et al estimated the prevalence of drug abuse among male and female prisoners to be 10–48% and 30–60%, respectively, and the prevalence of alcohol abuse or dependence to be 18–30% in the male clients and 10–24% in the female clients, respectively [1]. A recent survey carried out on a national level with the purpose of identifying characteristics of the clients in the Swedish criminal justice system found that 70% of all clients had substance abuse problems (including alcohol, drugs, or both), with a slightly lower percentage among female clients compared to the whole group (67%) [2]. This study aimed to map differences between male and female offenders with substance abuse, with respect to descriptive characteristics and risk factors for mortality and criminal recidivism. Males and females had different risk factors for criminal recidivism
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
