NCJ Number
125445
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Based on self-report data and scores on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), 73 percent of the total inmate population in New York State can be identified as substance abusers. This percentage includes 74 percent of male inmates and 63 percent of female inmates.
Abstract
Cocaine and crack cocaine were the most frequently used drug reported among both males and females; the second most commonly used drug was marijuana among males and heroin among females. The crime of commitment was significant in identifying substance abusing inmates, particularly for women, 60 percent of whom were committed for drug offenses. Only one-third of the men were committed for drugs, but this was still the largest commitment category. According to demographic information, most substance abusers are from New York City and its environs, are black or Hispanic, and are approximately 30 years old. Approximately 30 percent of the inmates reported a high school education or above, while 35 percent reported less than a tenth grade education. 12 tables.