NCJ Number
99652
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 109-114
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Data indicate the social characteristics and incidence of alcohol abuse for all persons (440 males and 22 females) sentenced to Tasmania's (Australia) Risdon prison from October 1, 1982, to September 30, 1983.
Abstract
Data on inmate social characteristics (marital, employment, and educational histories) were obtained from a classification form completed on every inmate soon after sentencing. A 'test' for alcohol abuse (the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening) issued at the time of inmates' initial medical evaluation was used to gather information on alcohol use. The data show that just over 43 percent of the inmates qualified as alcoholics, and 15.2 percent indicated possible alcoholism. Fifty-eight percent had at least one drunk driving conviction, and 35 percent had three or more such convictions. A significant number indicated their drinking had contributed to other social problems. The sample tended to have less education and fewer employable skills than the average Tasmanian. Sixty-four percent were either single, separated, divorced, or widowed. Those who recidivated within the study year tended to be young, single, unskilled male alcoholics. The data have implications for policies in corrections, educations, labor market planning, welfare practices, and alcohol education. The alcohol-abuse test is provided along with tabular data and three notes.