Exploring the Impact of Pre-Incarceration Substance Use Treatment on Suicidality Among Individuals in Correctional Facilities

• In Event: Reducing Crime and Delinquency: Centering Education, Mental Health, and Corrections in Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Abstract

In 2022, over 49,000 individuals died by suicide in the U.S., with substance use (SU) identified as a significant risk factor. Research shows that treatment programs addressing both SU and mental health challenges can improve outcomes for at-risk individuals. Populations detained in correctional facilities are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges like suicidality as the stress of incarceration exacerbates pre-existing conditions, including substance use issues. A sample of 294 male and female individuals detained in Chesterfield County Jail, Virginia were surveyed in spring 2022 about their mental health, trauma, suicidality, substance use, and access to recovery-focused treatment before incarceration. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses will be conducted to examine the relationship between access to SU treatment before incarceration and self-reported suicidal behavior in the year prior to data collection and across their lifetime. Additionally, suicidality in those detained and participating in the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program at the facility will be compared to the general detained population to evaluate the efficacy of treatment programs within correctional facilities. The results and related discussion points such as suicidality linked to severe withdrawal experiences and demographic disparities in access to SU treatment will be discussed.

Authors

• Varsha Vasudevan, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Nancy Morris, Virginia Commonwealth University