Demographic profile of inhalant, amphetamine, ecstasy, and heroin use among prerelease male inmates in Georgia

BackgroundDrug use among inmate populations presents a set of challenges that are both unique and varied. It has been reported that perhaps two-thirds of those entering state and federal penitentiaries have histories of substance abuse.MethodsThe present study collected self-report data on inmates’ use of inhalants, amphetamines, ecstasy, and heroin to discern how drug use practices of inmates vary with respect to demographic factors. Participants included 233 adult male inmates incarcerated in three medium security prisons located in middle Georgia and one residential transitional center located in a major metropolitan area. Enrollment of participants in the program was initiated in 1999. For participation in the intervention, eligible inmates were 18 years of age or older, male, and scheduled to be released within 3–6 months. Analysis compared black participants against whites and whites against other ethnicities in aggregate.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed between blacks and whites, with whites reporting higher levels of amphetamine use (β = −1.56, p < 0.01) and heroin use (β = −1.09, p < 0.01).ConclusionsFuture researchers who are seeking additional information on substance use practices of inmates may gain valuable insights regarding implementation of similar health promotion and prevention interventions for this population.