Stigma of Substance Use and Incarceration as Predictors of Adverse Events and Treatment Utilization Among Male Drug Offenders

• Main Author: Egan, Shannon T
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Addictive behaviors; Clinical psychology; Counseling Psychology; Criminalization; Criminology; Information science; Mental disorders; Perceptions; Recidivism; Social psychology; Socioeconomic factors
• ISBN: 9798535512600

Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders are not only faced with challenges of ongoing substance use, but are also challenged by stigmatizing beliefs. Due to government-led initiatives that aim to decrease illegal drug use (e.g., The “War on Drugs”), these individuals may also experience incarceration related to drug use during their lifetime. Previous studies have examined the relationship between crime and stigmatizing views against criminal offenders. Recent studies have also focused on negative stereotypes of substance use; however, little research has addressed the relationship between stigmatizing attitudes and negative outcomes among drug offenders. By focusing on the stigmas of individuals who have been incarcerated for a drug related offense, we can approach clinical treatment and relapse prevention more comprehensively. One hundred and thirty-two men completed an online survey. A multiple regression was used to examine the relationship between perceived stigma of substance use and incarceration on risk of relapse. Results indicated that perceived stigma was a significant predictor of increased risk of relapse post-incarceration. Independent t-tests were used to assess the relationship between perceived stigma of substance use and incarceration on events post-incarceration (relapse, recidivism, treatment utilization). Perceived stigma of substance use was higher in participants who experienced occurrence of relapse post-incarceration. Perceived stigma of incarceration was not different for those who had experienced occurrence of relapse post-incarceration. Contrary to hypotheses, neither perceived stigmas of substance use or incarceration were higher among those who reported recidivism or treatment utilization. The relationship between perceived stigma of substance use and incarceration and events post-incarceration suggests that variables merit continued study and could inform clinical practice.