Treatment for opioids dependence: prisoners' experiences in Wandsworth prison

Abstract

Little research has been done on treatment for opioids dependence in prisons in the UK. Treatment programmes are coercive and are abstinence‐orientated, and maintenance substitution treatment is rarely offered. This research aimed to investigate prisoners' perceptions of existing treatment and treatment choices offered by the service.A qualitative methodology was used with eight semi‐structured interviews with prisoners who were currently or had recently completed an opioid detoxification regime. The study took place in Wandsworth prison in south London, and interviews were recorded and analysed using theme analysis.Prisoners felt that substance misuse assessment failed to identify their needs. They had little if any input into the decision regarding substitute prescribing and they felt that their current treatment regime did not meet their needs. Not all prisoners felt coerced into treatment, however, they all described coercive measures. Homelessness compounded prisoners' substance use and treatment progress.There is significant dissonance between the services offered and the prisoners' own perceptions of service need. Many prisoners are not yet ready to achieve abstinence, the predominant treatment opportunity available. If coercion into substance misuse treatment is to be integral to the criminal justice system, treatment services should be tailored to clients' needs.

Citation

Broderick, C. and Kouimtsidis, C. (2007), "Treatment for opioids dependence: prisoners' experiences in Wandsworth prison", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 17-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/17459265200700030