Home > Problems, needs and service provision related to stimulant use in European prisons.

Decorte, Tom (2007) Problems, needs and service provision related to stimulant use in European prisons. International Journal of Prisoner Health, 3, (1), pp. 29-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449200601149122.

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Objective. The objective of this study was to examine practices and policies in place for the provision of targeted prevention and treatment of cocaine and Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) users in prison in nine European countries.

Methodology. Across nine European member states (Belgium, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovenia, Sweden, Malta, Ireland and Portugal), interviews were conducted with ministerial representatives professionals (i.e. service providers and security officials) working in prisons and a total of 16 focus groups with a total of 125 prisoners.

Results. The use of stimulants in prison is associated with aggression and violence, financial problems, and psychological and physical problems in prisoners (depression, anxiety and psychological craving). Both security and healthcare staff in prison often feel ill-equipped to deal with stimulant-related problems, leading to a lack of equivalence of care for stimulant users in prison, therefore the variety and quality of drug services outside is not reflected sufficiently inside prison. There is a need for more specific product information and harm reduction material on stimulants, for clear guidelines for the management of acute stimulant intoxication and stimulant withdrawal, for structural adjustments to improve potential diagnosis of personality and psychiatric disorders, for more non-pharmacological treatment strategies and more opportunities for prisoners to engage in purposeful activities.


Item Type
Article
Publication Type
Irish-related, International, Open Access, Article
Drug Type
CNS stimulants
Date
March 2007
Identification #
https://doi.org/10.1080/17449200601149122
Page Range
pp. 29-42
Publisher
Emerald
Volume
3
Number
1
EndNote
Accession Number
HRB 4067 (Electronic Only)
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