Examining the Health of Inmates Arrested for Opioid v. Non-Opioid Offenses

• In Event: Health in Jails and Prisons: New Research Developments

Abstract

Opioid drugs are narcotics derived from opium such as heroin and fentanyl, as well as synthetic compounds used in prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, vicodin, percocet, morphine, and more. Opioids act on the nervous system to relieve pain, and, given the addictive nature of opioid drugs, illegal use may stem from initial attempts to treat pain and related health issues.
Therefore, this study examines the prevalence of health symptoms and diagnoses among opioid versus non-opioid drug offenders in a sample of male and female inmates booked into a rural county jail. It is expected that health symptoms and disorders will be higher among those arrested for opioid-related drug offenses, as compared to non-opioid drug offenders and other offenders. Similarly, we will examine whether these health issues relate to arrests for opioid use above and beyond standard criminogenic and psychosocial risk factors. Results and practical implications will also be discussed.

Authors

• Bryanna Fox, University of South Florida

• Lauren Miley, University of South Florida

• Christian Santiago, University of South Florida

• Malika Shahzad, University of South Florida

• Kashif Basaria, University of South Florida

• Edelyn Verona, University of South Florida