NCJ Number
140996
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 119- 129
Date Published
1993
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Two separate groups of Delaware inmates were interviewed in 1992 in an effort to develop a better understanding of the nature of drug use in prison: 18 residents of "The KEY," a prison-based therapeutic community located in a maximum security institution in Wilmington; and 28 residents of CREST Outreach Center, a work release therapeutic community also located in Wilmington.
Abstract
Some 60 percent of the respondents (N=26) admitted to drug use in prison prior to their entry into therapeutic community treatment; 18 subjects reported on activities they observed while in prison. All generally agreed that the drug used most commonly was marijuana, followed by cocaine and alcohol. Twenty of the subjects interviewed used drugs in prison more than once a week. Almost all reported the ability to obtain their drug of choice, either marijuana or cocaine. Twenty-seven respondents reported making and drinking jailhouse wine. Visitors or correctional officers brought most drugs into the prisons, and both correctional officers and inmates sold drugs in prison. Intravenous drug use appeared to be minimal, but the sharing of injection equipment was common. Urine testing emerges as essential in that drug use occurs in prison and such use undermines the effects of drug treatment. 1 table and 29 references