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Needing Treatment: A Snapshot of Provincially Incarcerated Adult Offenders in Nova Scotia with a View Towards Substance Abuse and Population Health

NCJ Number
210872
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 501-525
Author(s)
Heather A. Kitchin
Date Published
July 2005
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study examined the demographics and substance abuse programming needs of incarcerated adult offenders in Nova Scotia and explored the links between crime, substance abuse, and population health.
Abstract
During 2003, Nova Scotia experienced the highest crime rate increase among the four Atlantic provinces of Canada. Compounding the problem is the fact that Nova Scotia Correctional Services offer few opportunities for inmates to seek substance abuse treatment while in custody, despite the known link between substance abuse and criminal behavior. The current study drew on qualitative and quantitative data to explore the substance abuse programming needs of adult inmates in Nova Scotia and to situate the current state of the Nova Scotia Correctional Services within research that addresses the relationship between crime and substance abuse. A survey exploring the links between crime, incarceration, and substance abuse, as well as the need for substance abuse programming and related treatment services was completed by 168 adult inmates from all 5 provincial adult correctional facilities in Nova Scotia between July 2002 and March 2003. Results of both statistical and qualitative analyses indicated a connection between substance abuse and crime in Nova Scotia. A large majority of offenders would welcome the opportunity to receive substance abuse treatment and related programming while serving provincial sentences. The author asserts that a population health approach to addiction policy and programming could address Nova Scotia’s problem of “warehousing” criminal offenders. Challenges for programming are addressed and include the challenge of a transient inmate population in the region. Future research should focus on how substance abuse may interfere with access to health services and care. Notes, references