Call for services to help reduce crime related psychological distress

Most arrestees suffer from substance dependence and significant psychological morbidity, according to a study in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Dr Edward Heffernan, Consultant Psychiatrist, and colleagues from the Royal Brisbane Hospital, and Joe Finn, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Biala Acute Care Service, Brisbane, found that 86 per cent of male and female arrestees had at least one substance use disorder.

"Development of services for detoxification and treatment of this population is a pressing need," said Dr Heffernan.

Dr Heffernan and colleagues found that 94 per cent of the women suffered significant psychological distress, compared with 82 per cent of the men studied, suggesting females were a particular 'at risk' subgroup. Their specific needs should also be recognised in planning service provision.

In the group studied, amphetamine use disorders were most common; other predominant substances included marijuana, opioids and alcohol.

 "Addressing these problems may not only reduce morbidity for the individuals, but may also help address the community problem of drug-related crime, given that most arrestees return to the community rather than go to prison," said Dr Heffernan.

"Providing adequate treatment and rehabilitation for this group in the long term may affect the rates of recidivism, the spread of communicable diseases and the prevalence of illicit substance use in both custodial and community settings."

In an editorial in the same edition, Dr Toni Makkai, Director of Research, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra, says opportunities for diversion could be strengthened in other areas.

Dr Makkai says the first area is at the "end" of the criminal justice system, by providing post-release support programs for prisoners leaving custody.

"Interventions to break the cycle of reoffending would have a significant beneficial effect on both the individual and the wider community - drug treatment is clearly one of those interventions."

The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

CONTACT:     Research - Dr Edward Heffernan, 0408 385 009

                   Editorial - Dr Toni Makkai, 0418 159 525

                  Judith Tokley, AMA, 0408 824 306