Comparative profiles of addicted adult populations in rehabilitation and correctional services

J Subst Abuse Treat. 1999 Mar;16(2):173-82. doi: 10.1016/s0740-5472(98)00042-7.

Abstract

For many years, clinicians, especially those working in rehabilitation centers for alcohol and drug users, have been preoccupied with clients presenting with dual diagnosis: substance abuse and legal problems. Comparative analyses of three groups of addicted men, 553 offenders and 499 nonoffenders in treatment for addiction problems and 103 addicted inmates were made to ascertain the biopsychosocial profile of these persons. Results showed that dual-diagnosis clients experienced more severe biopsychosocial problems than the nonoffending group of subjects. Offenders in prison experienced more social maladjustment than offenders in drug addiction treatment, they were less preoccupied by their drug consumption, and less motivated to change. Implications for treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Crime / statistics & numerical data
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prisons / statistics & numerical data
  • Quebec / epidemiology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Adjustment
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology