Dogan J, Stevens-Watkins D, Knighton JS, Wheeler P, Hargons C. Perceived need for drug treatment among African American male drug-using prisoners.
J Subst Abuse Treat 2021;
120:108166. [PMID:
33298302 PMCID:
PMC7733029 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108166]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Since 2016, African Americans have experienced the largest increase in cocaine-related drug overdose deaths compared to other racial/ethnic groups. African American male prisoners who used drugs prior to incarceration are at an increased risk for relapse and overdose upon community re-entry. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a guiding framework, this study examined correlates of perceived need for treatment among 193 drug-using incarcerated African American men nearing release. Linear regression analyses revealed that the number of lifetime drug overdoses, severity of legal problems, and previous drug treatment significantly predicted a need for treatment. Further, more frequent drug use, specifically crack cocaine, in the month prior to incarceration predicted a higher perceived need for drug treatment. Implications suggest this population demonstrates a need for treatment, which may be exacerbated by re-entry stressors. Preventative measures, including culturally tailored treatment and transitional care from prison to community-based services, are necessary to reduce risk of relapse and overdose among this group.
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