NCJ Number
231484
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2010 Pages: 399-405
Date Published
July 2010
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined the incidence of arrest and incarceration, investigated predictors of incarceration and explored the persistence of depression, alcohol use and drug use after incarceration among young methamphetamine users from Thailand.
Abstract
Participants were aged 18-25 years old and were a part of a 12 month randomized social network trial that aimed to reduce sexual risk and methamphetamine use. Estimates of the incidence of arrest and incarceration over 12 months were calculated. A matched case-control study (n = 73 cases; n = 223 controls) was performed to examine incarceration risk factors using conditional logistic regression. Persistence of drug-risk behaviors were explored after incarceration. Study participants (n = 950) were 72 percent male, with a median age of 19 years and a median of 9 years of schooling. Frequent drug and alcohol use were reported at baseline. In total, 35 percent of the sample reported ever having been arrested and 22 percent reported ever having been incarcerated at baseline. During the 12 month follow up, 16 percent of the sample was arrested. In univariate analyses, risk factors for incarceration included frequent drug and alcohol use, being less educated, and a history of arrest and incarceration. A high prevalence of drug and alcohol use and involvement in the drug economy persisted after arrest. The study indicates a high prevalence of recidivism among this young sample, with continued involvement in drug-risk behaviors after incarceration. Appropriate interventions are needed to address root causes of arrest, largely related to substance use. Tables and references (Published Abstract)