Illicit+Substance+Addiction+Imprisonment+-+beneficial+or+detrimental+for+users

Student: Ryan Chapman N8877106 Tutor: Michelle Newcomb Friday 12 - 1 PM

(Franks, 2006) ** Cultural Artefact ** The artefact was first published in a New Zealand Sentencing trust newsletter (Franks, 2006). The newsletter promotes the use of sensible sentencing using the revolving door image to advocate the prison recidivist cycle. The image depicts the recidivist cycle through the prisoners leaving the prison by the exit of the revolving door along with the security guard saying “See ya Soon”. The prisoners are then depicted as re-entering through the revolving door with the security guard greeting them saying ‘welcome back”. Through the words of the security guard the image creates a strong representation of stereotypical prisons in real life.

** Public Health Issue ** Illicit drug addiction and abuse is negatively impacting on the health of Australians, the damaging result is significant with many psychological and physiological issues caused by drug dependence (WHO, 2013). However there are other underlying issues associated with the poor health outcomes caused by addiction. How the cycle of drug addiction and substance abuse often repeats itself. The underlying living conditions, mental health disorders which cause recidivism to occur frequently. The Australian institute of criminology found illicit drug imprisonment recidivism rates to be between 50 and 60 per cent of all offenders over the 10-year period after prisoners were rereleased (2007). Other approaches available to breaking the cycle minimising stigma, social and systemic alienation.

** Literature review ** The prison rate in Australia continues to increase with Widdowson (2010) stating from December 2008 to December 2009 the rate of imprisonment rose 17 %. Along with growing imprisonment numbers Australia spends approximately 2.6 billion keeping offenders incarcerated annually (Widdowson, 2010). In comparison a study of rehabilitation centres in Australia by Health advocate found the average inpatient residential treatment program is around $3,840 (Health Advocate, 2010). While outpatient treatment programs including medication on average cost $20.78 a day, while outpatient treatment without medication cost upwards of $26.72 a day on average (Health Advocate, 2013).

(Australian Crime Commission, 2012) (Australian Crime Commission, 2012)

The graph’s show an increase of 70% in drug seizures and a 24% in the amount of drug arrests in Australia the last 10 years. There are many reasons the number of drug seizures and arrests continue to trend upward. The main reason is the continued negative correlations substance abuse has in present day Australia (Australian Crime Commission, 2012). Upon reviewing many different sources the same reasons were the continuously referred to. However they can be broken down into key four implications that cause incarcerated offenders to fall into the substance addiction recidivism cycle. The four key implications are: Illicit substance addiction negatively impacts the individual, A positive correlation with criminalisation, poor health conditions experienced and a continued cycle of drug use post release from prison.

There is a high correlation that substance addiction has many negative impacts on the user. The increase usage trends are concerning because it creating a larger problem for the future through the high prevalence rates in Australia. In 2010, The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that approximately 46% of Australians consumed alcohol on a weekly basis, 15% smoke tobacco daily, while 10.3% admit to cannabis use recently (2011). Due to illegality and criminalisation drug stigma surrounding illicit drug users and addicts it is difficult to determine exact percentages (Dolan et al., 2005). There are many negative side effects drug use has on the users such as: short term loss sensory ability and varying levels of incapacitation, to long term degeneration of memory capacity and compounded social isolation. (Robinson & Berridge 2001; WHO, 2013). Furthermore Robinson and Berridge (2001) found a link in addicted substances that makes the user want and need the substances rather then using the substance to gain occasional satisfaction. Furthermore the user becomes hooked and is unable to break the chain as their brain becomes altered to want the next dose (Robinson & Beveridge, 2001). The negative affects these addict substances have on the user can be further linked to criminalisation.

There have been many studies that support the correlation between drug addiction/ substance abuse and criminalisation. In 2010 the Australian Institute of Criminology found 65% of male and 73% of female arrested offenders, tested positive to illicit substance use (AIC, 2011). Furthermore a report conducted by Jason Payne on behalf of the Australian Institute of Criminology found that between 35 and 41 per cent of prisoners will be re imprisoned within two years of being released, about 2 in 3 prisoners will have been previously imprisoned, and 50% of incarcerated adults will have been arrested at least once in the past 12 months (2007). However the most shocking statistic from Payne’s findings was between 50 and 60 per cent of adult offenders of adult police arrestees will be rearrested at least once within 10 years, with the highest rates of recidivism occurring the first two years (Payne, 2007). Between these two reports there is an irrefutable link between substance abuse and criminalisation and recidivism. One possible causality is continued poor health outcomes for incarcerated offenders.

The cycle of drug use usually continues post imprisonment because of poor health outcomes and living conditions released prisoners are subjected to. In 2012 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found 35% of prisoners reporting to be homeless four weeks prior to incarceration. Furthermore 43% of discharged prisoners were expecting to be homeless once released (AIHW, 2012). Along with the poor living conditions prisoners are expected to have poor mental health conditions. In 2012, 46% of released prisoners reported having ever been told they have a mental health issue (including alcohol and drug use issues), and 21% of those entering prison were taking mental health related medication. About one-quarter (26%) of prison entrants were referred to mental health services for observation and further assessment following the reception assessment (AIHW, 2012). It is clear that prisoners are subjective to poor living conditions before and after incarceration. It is not hard to see these health outcomes and living conditions as a cause for the repetitive prison recidivism cycle.

Due to the continuous cycle by ongoing drug use post imprisonment caused by poor health outcomes and negative living conditions it is easy to see a clear correlation with criminalisation recidivism (WHO, 2013). When a person is addicted to illicit substances it is clear the negative effects it has on there lives, so it is clear some type of intervention needs to be implemented (WHO, 2013). Furthermore evidence also suggests that it is cheaper to rehabilitate offenders then it is to imprison them (Healthadvocate, 2013). Through educating people, committing to rehabilitation programs and more targeted policy making it is possible to change drug stereotypes and break the cycle. Portugal is one example that has implemented a “drugs decriminalisation” legislation. It has been over 10 years since the legislation was introduced in 2001. Since 2001, the number of addicts recorded using drug rehabilitation services has risen from 6,000 in 1999 to over 24,000 in 2008, this reflects a rise in treatment ( Greenwald, 2009). This example suggests decriminalising drugs is an effective way to tackle the war on drugs (// EMCDDA, 2013) //. Furthermore the amount of heroin users who inject the drug has also fallen, from 45% before decriminalisation to 17%. Drug addicts also now account for only 20% of Portugal's HIV cases, down from 56% before the legislation was introduced (// EMCDDA, 2013) //. These statistics more then suggest decriminalising drugs is an effective measure. Not only was there a decrease in drug use, but also drug addicts felt more compelled to seek a form of rehabilitation (// EMCDDA, 2013) //. Australia should try other alternatives like Portugal to reduce to growing amount of people incarcerated.

** Cultural and Social Analysis ** Moral Panic surrounding drug use, substance abuse and consequent criminalisation is the main Social theory that relates to the revolving drug cycle. Moral Panic changes societies opinions on right and wrong through demoralisation,disintegration and individual integrity. The same applies with substance criminalisation; the majority of the moral panic created is promoted through the media. This further allows people to instigate their opinions from media facts (Sunstein, 2004). Furthermore this forces policy and law makers to make rapid changes that are not always in the best interest of morality (Sunstein, 2004). The Moral panic towards illicit substance addiction is further stigmatised by the way information is promoted in the media (Greenwald, 2009). This information contributes to the outlaw of illicit substances and its criminalisation, adding to physiological and psychological health conditions suffered by users (Greenwald, 2009). Once the user has reached this state they are stuck in a barricade between realities, not fully knowing the difference between right and wrong social conventions (Greenwald, 2009). The state of these people is better understood through Marx and Durkheim’s physiological theories.

The separation of individuals from normal living conditions by imprisonment leads to alienation and estrangement as well as poorer health outcomes (AIHW, 2012). Imprisonment alters a person’s social and physical wellbeing through the offender suffering. Psychological and physiological processes that occur in the brain are believed to have a role in altering the incarcerated persons attitudes (Krahn & Lowe, 1993). The Marx theory of Alienation and Durkheim theory of Anomie both relate to the changes in a persons behaviour or wellbeing once they have been imprisoned. Alienation is the beginning of antagonistic ideas, situations, behaviours and institutions overtaking natural functions resulting in meaninglessness, self-estrangement and individual isolation (Krahn & Lowe, 1993). Durkheim's theory of Anomie is described as a state of misunderstanding of behaviours and social norms. These behaviours can deviant further in some situations, with the potential to endanger the general public (Jones, 1986). When you combine these two theories there is strong recognition and identification of how these behaviours occur. Once the underlying causes of substance abuse are identified there is a better understanding of the link between behaviours and criminal recidivism. A better understanding of the problems then leads to better solutions to the drug and criminalisation cycle. Tapping into the behaviours of incarcerated recidivist is a way we can begin to develop policies and programs to counteract the repetitive substance abuse cycle. Strategies like decriminalising drugs (the Portugal policy) and making rehabilitation centres readily available is a step in the right direction to offset these theoretical behaviours.

** Analysis of The Artefact and Reflection ** Through researching illicit substance addiction/ use and consequent incarceration I have come away with a broader understanding of the topic. I found the research overwhelming at times due to the large amount of information available for the topic. However I now feel like I have a holistic view and now feel comfortable using my own opinions based on my understanding of the evidence behind the issue. My Artefact the cartoonist image of a revolving prison door epitomises the topic and the stereotypes surrounding drug addiction and criminalisation. The real question that the image proposed was “breaking the prison cycle” and upon further reading a change to the present criminal justice system ideology needs to occur. The system needs to move away from punishing offenders as a means of deterrence to system with rehabilitation and forgiveness as the primary focus. I learnt this can be either achieved through policies or programs that aim to recognise the offender has a problem. If we continue to punish people then how will they ever become productive members of society again? Until such revolution occurs the statistics suggest the trend of illicit drug arrests in Australia is only going to continue to rise. There is no simply solution and no policy or program will ever completely eliminate drug addiction problems. However giving people the chance to change the direction of their lives and make a positive impact is crucial step to allowing people attain equitable health outcomes.

** Reflection ** https://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64706536

https://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64705412

Australian Crime Commission (2012). //2011 -2012 Illicit Drug Data Report//. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from __[|http://www.crimecommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/IDDR/2011-12/IDDR-2011-12-FINAL-HR-020513.][|pdf]__
 * Reference List **

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). The health of Australia’s Prisoners 2012. Retrieved from: []

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). Drugs in Australia 2010: Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Canberra: Australian Government.

Berridge, K. C., Robinson, T. E (2001) incentive-sensitization and addiction. Addiction 96 (1), 103-14. Retrieved from: []

Dolan, k., MacDonald, M., Silins, E. & Topp, L. (2005) Needle and syringe programs: A review of the evidence. Canberra Australian Government department of Health and Ageing.

Durkheim, E & Jones, R. A. (1986). An introduction to four major works. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs Addiction, (//EMCDDA).// (2013, May 27). //Situation summary for Portugal — up to date summary of the national drug situation in Portugal (Country overviews)//. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from []

Franks, S. (2006, May 15). //Sensible Sentencing NZ Newsletter Fifteen//. Retrieved October 15, 2013, from []

Greenwald, G. (2009, August 27). //Portugal's drug policy: Treating, not punishing | The Economist//. Retrieved October 25, 2013, from http://www.economist.com/node/14309861

Healthadvocate (2013, April 17). //An Overview Of Drug Rehabs In Australia//. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from __[]__

Jason Payne (2007). Recidivism in Australia findings and future research. Retrieved from: []

Krahn, H. J., & Lowe, G. S. (1993). Work, industry, and Canadian society (2nd ed). Nelson Canada: Scarborough

Niki Widdowson. (August 19, 2010). Australia's 'irrational' spending on prisons unsustainable. Retrieved from: []

Sunstein, C, R. (2004). Group Judgements: Deliberation, Statistical Means, and Information Markets. The Law School, The University of Chicago. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from []

World Health Organisation. (2013). Substance Abuse. Retrieved from. []