Personality mediators of psychopathy and substance dependence in male offenders

► Psychopathy traits/substance misuse are highly prevalent and comorbid in offenders. ► We recruited inmates and measured psychopathy, personality, and substance dependence. ► High impulsivity was an indirect mediator of psychopathy and stimulant/alcohol SUD. ► Low anxiety sensitivity was an indirect mediator of psychopathy and opioid SUD. ► Psychopathic traits are distinctly related with SUDS due to personality differences.