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Zero Tolerance Drug Supervision
January 5, 1999
Today President Clinton will announce significant budget initiatives to help break the cycle of
crime and drugs. A new Justice Department report, also released today, shows that in 1997 more
than three-quarters of the nation's prisoners reported past drug use, more than half reported using
drugs in the month before their offense, and one in six committed their crimes so they could
purchase drugs. Responding to these findings, the President will announce new resources to help
states and localities systematically test, treat, and sanction drug-involved offenders -- including
$215 million in the FY 2000 budget to enforce "zero tolerance" for drug use by prisoners,
parolees, and probationers.
Prisoner Drug Use. Today the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics will release a
new study on prisoner drug use (Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners,
1997). Key findings regarding prisoner drug use include:
Vast majority of all prisoners report drug use. In 1997, 83 percent of state prisoners
and 73 percent of federal prisoners reported past drug use -- considerably more than the
21 percent of state prisoners and 60 percent of federal prisoners who are serving time for
drug offenses. In addition, 57 percent of state prisoners and 45 percent of federal
prisoners reported using drugs in the month before their arrest.
Many prisoners commit crimes to buy drugs or while high. Nearly 20 percent of state
prisoners and 15 percent of federal inmates reported committing their offense to get
money to buy drugs. And 33 percent of state prisoners and 22 percent of federal prisoners
were actually under the influence of drugs at the time of their offense.
Drug offenders have long "rap sheets." State prisoners serving sentences for drug
offenses reported extensive criminal histories: 76 percent had been previously sentenced
to prison or probation; 54 percent were on probation or parole at the time of their arrest;
45 percent had three or more prior sentences; and 23 percent had previously committed a
violent crime. Although federal drug offenders generally reported less severe criminal
histories, 59 percent had prior criminal records.
New Resources for "Zero Tolerance" Drug Supervision. The President will announce new
measures to ensure that the criminal justice system operates to keep offenders drug- and crime-
free, including: (1) $215 million in his FY 2000 budget proposal to drug test and treat more
people under criminal justice supervision; and (2) the availability of about $120 million in FY
1999 to help make prisoners and parolees drug-free.
(1) $215 million for the most comprehensive drug supervision ever. The President's
FY 2000 budget will include $100 million to help states and localities implement tough
new systems to drug test, treat, and punish prisoners, parolees, and probationers. This
initiative will ensure that states fully implement the comprehensive plans to drug test
prisoners and parolees that they are required by law to submit to the Justice Department,
while also supporting the efforts of states like Maryland and Connecticut to begin drug
testing probationers on a regular basis. The President's FY 2000 budget also will include
$50 million -- or an increase of 25 percent -- to expand the number of local drug courts
and $65 million for residential drug treatment in state prisons.
(2) About $120 million this year for drug-free prison initiatives. The President will
announce the availability or release of the following grants to ensure that states fully
implement their comprehensive plans for prison drug testing, treatment, and sanctions:
-- Up to $50 million for prison drug testing and intervention. Today the Justice
Department will release new guidance informing states that they can use up to 10 percent
of their prison construction funds (Violent Offender Incarceration/Truth-in-Sentencing
grants) to drug test and treat prisoners and parolees. Last year, President Clinton called
on Congress to give the states this flexibility, and he fought for it to be included in the
final budget agreement.
-- $63 million for residential drug treatment in state prisons. The Justice Department
also will announce the availability of $63 million for state prisons to provide long-term
drug treatment and intensive supervision for prisoners with the most serious drug
problems.
-- $6 million for new Drug-Free Prison initiatives. The President will announce that
the Office of National Drug Control Policy will award $6 million in grants to help 8 states
(AL, AZ, CA, FL, KS, MD, NJ, NY) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons make and keep
their prisons drug-free. These grants will support surveillance systems, drug-sniffing K-9
teams, advanced technologies for drug detection, and other efforts to detect and deter
drug use in prisons.
A Record of Accomplishment.
Pushed for drug testing and intervention in all states. The President fought for and
signed the legislation requiring states to drug test prisoners and parolees as a condition for
receiving prison grants. As a result, states were required to put in place comprehensive
drug testing and intervention plans for prisoners and parolees.
Expanded testing and treatment in federal prisons. The President has promoted drug
testing and treatment in the federal prison system. In 1998, federal prisoners were
subjected to nearly 133,000 drug tests. Additionally, the number of inmates required to
receive treatment increased by fourfold (from 5,450 in FY 1993 to 21,995 in FY 1998).
Leading the national drug court effort. Under the President's leadership, the number
of drug courts has increased from an estimated 12 in 1994 to more than 400 today. Drug
courts provide frequent drug testing, treatment, and tough supervision, and have been
shown to reduce recidivism substantially.
STATEMENT
OF
Department of Justice
SECURITY
AUSTITA
*
ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 A.M. EST
BJS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1999
202/307-0784
MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF PRISONERS
HAD ABUSED DRUGS IN THE PAST
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fifty-seven percent of state prisoners and 45 percent of federal
prisoners surveyed in 1997 said they had used drugs in the month before their offense--up from 50
percent and 32 percent reported in a 1991 survey, the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice
Statistics (BJS) said today. Eighty-three percent of state prisoners and 73 percent of federal
prisoners had used drugs at some time in the past.
In 1997, 33 percent of state and 22 percent of federal prisoners said they committed their
current offense while under the influence of drugs, compared to 31 percent and 17 percent in 1991,
and about one in six of both state and federal inmates said in 1997 they committed their offense to
get money for drugs.
According to this special BJS substance abuse report, about three-quarters of all prisoners
can be characterized as being involved with alcohol or drug abuse in the time leading up to their
arrest. Sixty-four percent of state prisoners and 59 percent of federal prisoners reported having
(MORE)
- 2
driven an automobile or other motor vehicle at one time or another while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Even with an increase in reported drug and alcohol use between 1991 and 1997, substance
abuse treatment provided to state and federal prisoners declined. However, there was increased
participation in self-help, education or awareness programs for drug and alcohol abuse.
Among those prisoners who had been using drugs in the month before their offense, 15
percent of both state and federal inmates said they had received drug abuse treatment during their
current prison term--down from a third of such prisoners in 1991. Among those who said
they had used drugs in the month before their offense, 28 percent of the state inmates and 32 percent
of the federal inmates said in the 1997 survey that they had participated in a self-help group or drug
awareness program.
Eighteen percent of both state and federal inmates who said in 1997 that they had been using
drugs at the time of their offense reported participation in drug treatment programs, compared to
about 40 percent in 1991. In 1997, among such prisoners, 32 percent of state inmates and 38
percent of federal inmates reported participating in a self-help, peer counseling, education or
awareness program since admission.
Since their admission to prison nearly a quarter of state inmates and 20 percent of federal
inmates had been in treatment or other programs for alcohol abuse. Among those with a history
(MORE)
- 3 -
of alcohol abuse or dependence, more than 40 percent reported taking part in a treatment or alcohol-
related program since admission.
More than 277,000 offenders were in prison for a drug law violation in 1997--21 percent of
state prisoners and over 60 percent of federal prisoners. The majority of these inmates were
serving time for drug trafficking or possession with intent to distribute (70 percent of state drug
offenders and 86 percent of federal). More than two-thirds of state and federal drug offenders
reported that they possessed or were trafficking in cocaine or crack during their current offense.
In 1997 more than 80 percent of state prisoners and more than 70 percent of federal prisoners
reported some type of past drug use. Twenty percent of state prisoners and 12 percent of federal
prisoners said they had used drugs intravenously.
A quarter of state and a sixth of federal prisoners reported experiences consistent with a
history of alcohol abuse or dependence. Forty-one percent of state prisoners and 30 percent of
federal prisoners reported having consumed as much as a fifth of liquor in a single day (20 drinks, 3
six-packs of beer or 3 bottles of wine). Forty percent of state prisoners and 29 percent of
federal prisoners reported having had a past alcohol-related domestic dispute.
With the exception of marijuana use, reported drug use among state prisoners remained
stable after 1991. The percentage of state inmates who used marijuana in the month before their
offense rose sharply -- from 32 percent in 1991 to 39 percent in 1997. During the same period,
(MORE)
- 4 -
the percentage of state prisoners who used cocaine or crack in the month before the offense
remained unchanged at 25 percent.
Among federal prisoners, the reported prior use of all drug types rose, with marijuana and
cocaine-based drugs leading the trend. In 1997, 30 percent of federal prisoners said they had
used marijuana in the month before the offense and 20 percent said they used cocaine or crack,
compared to 19 percent and 15 percent, respectively, in 1991.
The special report, "Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997"
(NCJ-172871), was written by BJS Policy Analyst Christopher J. Mumola. Single copies may be
obtained by calling the BJS Clearinghouse at 1-800/732-3277. It is also available on the Internet.
The BJS webpage address is:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
Additional criminal justice materials can be obtained from the Office of Justice Programs
Internet homepage at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov
###
BJS99013
After hours contact: Stu Smith at 301/983-9354
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Special Report
December 1998, NCJ 172871
Substance Abuse and Treatment,
State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
By Christopher J. Mumola
BJS Policy Analyst
Highlights
In the 1997 Survey of Inmates in State
Half of State inmates and a third of Federal prisoners reported committing
and Federal Correctional Facilities,
over 570,000 of the Nation's prisoners
their current offense under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(51%) reported the use of alcohol or
Percent of prisoners
In 1997 over 80% of State and
drugs while committing their offense.
Self-reports
1997
1991
over 70% of Federal prisoners
While only a fifth of State prisoners
Drug use
reported past drug use; about 1 in 6
In month before offense
were drug offenders, 83% reported
State
57%
50%
of both reported committing their
past drug use and 57% were using
Federal
45
32
current offense to obtain money
drugs in the month before their offense,
for drugs.
compared to 79% and 50%, respec-
At the time of offense
tively, in 1991. Also, 37% of State
State
33%
31%
About 40% of State and 30% of
Federal
22
17
prisoners were drinking at the time
Federal prisoners reported a prior
of their offense, up from 32% in 1991.
Alcohol use
binge drinking experience; over 40%
At the time of offense
of both had driven drunk in the past.
Among Federal prisoners the reports
State
37%
32%
of substance abuse increased more
Federal
20
11
Overall, 3 in 4 State and 4 in 5
sharply. Although the proportion of
Alcohol/drug use
Federal prisoners may be character-
Federal prisoners held for drug
At the time of offense
ized as alcohol- or drug-involved
offenses rose from 58% in 1991 to 63%
State
52%
49%
offenders.
in 1997, the percentage of all Federal
Federal
34
24
inmates who reported using drugs in
Since admission 1 in 8 State prisoners were treated for substance abuse,
the month before the offense rose
and 1 in 4 had participated in other alcohol or drug abuse programs
more dramatically from 32% to 45%.
Percent of State pris-
Over 50% of State and over 40%
A fifth of Federal prisoners reported
oners participating
of Federal prisoners had ever partici-
drinking at the time of their offense
since admission
in 1997, up from a tenth in 1991.
pated in treatment or other programs
Other
Treatment
programs
for substance abuse; a third of State
Over 360,000 prisoners - a third of
Any treatment
12%
28%
and a quarter of Federal prisoners
had participated since their admission.
State, and about a quarter of Federal
Drug treatment
10%
20%
prisoners - said they had participated
Ever used
12
24
in drug or alcohol treatment or other
In month before offense
15
28
Among both State and Federal
Used at time of offense
18
32
prisoners who had used drugs in the
substance abuse programs since
admission. Reported levels of drug
Alcohol treatment
8%
21%
month before the offense, about 1 in 7
treatment since admission were lower
Binge drinkers
14
31
had been treated for drug abuse since
Alcohol dependent
18
38
admission; nearly a third had enrolled
for both State (10%) and Federal (9%)
Used at time of offense
14
34
in other drug abuse programs.
prisoners than those reported in 1991
*Includes residential facilities, professional
(25% and 16%, respectively). Over the
counseling, detoxification units, and mainte-
Since admission 14% of both State
same period, participation in other drug
nance drug programs.
abuse programs increased for both
and Federal prisoners drinking at the
ᵇIncludes self-help/peer counseling groups,
time of offense had been treated for
State (from 16% to 20%) and Federal
as well as educational or awareness programs.
alcohol abuse; a third had enrolled in
prisoners (from 10% to 20%).
other alcohol abuse programs.
Drug offenders accounted for over 250,000 prisoners; 21% of State,
Half of all prisoners were under the
over 60% of Federal prisoners in 1997
influence of alcohol or drugs at the
time of their offense
Percent of drug
Since the last surveys in 1991, the
offenders
number of drug offenders in State
An estimated 51% of all prisoners (52%
State
Federal
and Federal prisons has grown by
Type of drug offense
of State and 34% of Federal) said they
Possession
27.1%
5.3%
nearly 90,000, or an average annual
were under the influence of alcohol or
Trafficking
70.1
85.8
growth rate of 6.4%. However, the
drugs while they committed their
Other
2.8
8.9
number of inmates incarcerated for
current offense (table 1). Among State
Status at arrest
nondrug offenses has grown at virtu-
prisoners the incidence of alcohol or
None
46.2%
75.9%
ally the same rate over that period
drug use at the time of offense showed
Status
53.8
24.1
(6.3%). As a result, drug offenders
On paroleᵇ
27.4
10.2
little variation by offense type, ranging
On probation
25.9
13.8
make up the same proportion of the
from 52% of violent offenders to 56% of
Escaped from custody
0.5
0.2
prison population as in 1991, despite
public-order offenders. Among specific
their substantial numerical growth.
Criminal history
offense types only weapons (42%),
None
17.4%
40.6%
fraud (43%), and sexual assault (45%)
Priors
82.6
59.4
In 1997 drug offenders in State prison
offenders had a minority reporting the
Violent recidivists
23.6
12.1
reported extensive criminal histories:
Drug recidivists only
14.1
15.9
influence of alcohol or drugs at the time
Other recidivistsᶜ
44.9
31.4
of their offense.
54% were on probation, parole,
Number of prior probation/
or escape at the time of their arrest.
incarceration sentences
Among Federal prisoners the reported
83% had a prior sentence to incar-
0
17.4%
40.6%
1
20.2
19.5
ceration or probation; 45% had three
use of alcohol or drugs at the time of
2
17.5
15.5
or more prior sentences.
offense showed greater variation by
3-5
27.2
18.2
24% had a prior violent offense;
offense type. Violent offenders (40%)
6-10
11.5
5.0
32% reported that all sentences had
reported the highest levels, followed
11 or more
6.3
1.2
been for drug offenses.
by drug (35%), public-order (30%),
Type of drug involved
and property (23%) offenders. Among
in current offensed
Drug offenders in Federal prisons
specific offense types only murder
Marijuana/hashish
12.9%
18.9%
reported less severe criminal histories
(52%) and assault (51%) offenders had
Cocaine/crack
72.1
65.5
than those in State prisons:
Heroin/other opiates
12.8
9.9
a majority reporting the use of alcohol
Depressants
1.2
0.6
or drugs at the time of their current
Stimulants
9.9
11.0
24% were on probation, parole,
offense. Fraud (15%) and sexual
Hallucinogens
1.1
1.7
or escape at the time of arrest.
59% had a prior sentence; 24%
assault (32%) offenders were among
"Includes those reporting an intent to distribute.
had three or more prior sentences.
the Federal prisoners least likely to
blncludes supervised release.
includes recidivists with unknown offense
12% had a prior violent offense;
have committed their current offense
types.
57% had been sentenced solely
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
More than one type of drug may have been
for drug offenses.
involved in the current offense.
Assault, murder, and sexual assault
most closely tied to alcohol use at
the time of offense
Number of prisoners serving
a sentence for a drug of fense
1997 custody
300,000
population
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
277,859
prisoners reported the influence of
Total
alcohol at the time of offense. Among
State prisoners about two-fifths of
222,100
public-order and violent offenders were
200,000
State
drinking at the time of offense, followed
by a third of property and a quarter of
drug offenders. Among Federal prison-
ers reported use of alcohol at the time
100,000
of offense varied less by offense type,
ranging from 16% of property offenders
55,759
to 25% of violent offenders. For both
Federal
State and Federal prisoners, the
specific offenses most closely related
0
1980
1986
1991
1997
to alcohol use at the time of offense
were violent ones - assault, murder,
manslaughter, and sexual assault.
2 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Half of all prisoners were under the
Drug offenders accounted for over 250,000 prisoners; 21% of State,
influence of alcohol or drugs at the
over 60% of Federal prisoners in 1997
time of their offense
Percent of drug
Since the last surveys in 1991, the
offenders
number of drug offenders in State
An estimated 51% of all prisoners (52%
State
Federal
and Federal prisons has grown by
of State and 34% of Federal) said they
Type of drug offense
Possession
27.1%
5.3%
nearly 90,000, or an average annual
were under the influence of alcohol or
Trafficking*
70.1
85.8
growth rate of 6.4%. However, the
drugs while they committed their
Other
2.8
8.9
number of inmates incarcerated for
current offense (table 1). Among State
Status at arrest
nondrug offenses has grown at virtu-
prisoners the incidence of alcohol or
None
46.2%
75.9%
ally the same rate over that period
drug use at the time of offense showed
Status
53.8
24.1
(6.3%). As a result, drug offenders
On paroleᵇ
27.4
10.2
little variation by offense type, ranging
On probation
25.9
13.8
make up the same proportion of the
from 52% of violent offenders to 56% of
Escaped from custody
0.5
0.2
prison population as in 1991, despite
public-order offenders. Among specific
their substantial numerical growth.
offense types only weapons (42%),
Criminal history
None
17.4%
40.6%
fraud (43%), and sexual assault (45%)
Priors
82.6
59.4
In 1997 drug offenders in State prison
offenders had a minority reporting the
Violent recidivists
23.6
12.1
reported extensive criminal histories:
Drug recidivists only
14.1
15.9
influence of alcohol or drugs at the time
Other recidivistsᶜ
44.9
31.4
of their offense.
54% were on probation, parole,
Number of prior probation/
or escape at the time of their arrest.
incarceration sentences
Among Federal prisoners the reported
83% had a prior sentence to incar-
0
17.4%
40.6%
use of alcohol or drugs at the time of
20.2
19.5
ceration or probation; 45% had three
1
2
17.5
15.5
or more prior sentences.
offense showed greater variation by
3-5
27.2
18.2
24% had a prior violent offense;
offense type. Violent offenders (40%)
6-10
11.5
5.0
32% reported that all sentences had
reported the highest levels, followed
11 or more
6.3
1.2
been for drug offenses.
by drug (35%), public-order (30%),
Type of drug involved
and property (23%) offenders. Among
in current offensed
Drug offenders in Federal prisons
specific offense types only murder
Marijuana/hashish
12.9%
18.9%
reported less severe criminal histories
(52%) and assault (51%) offenders had
Cocaine/crack
72.1
65.5
than those in State prisons:
Heroin/other opiates
12.8
9.9
a majority reporting the use of alcohol
Depressants
1.2
0.6
or drugs at the time of their current
Stimulants
9.9
11.0
24% were on probation, parole,
offense. Fraud (15%) and sexual
Hallucinogens
1.1
1.7
or escape at the time of arrest.
59% had a prior sentence; 24%
assault (32%) offenders were among
*Includes those reporting an intent to distribute.
had three or more prior sentences.
the Federal prisoners least likely to
bIncludes supervised release.
'Includes recidivists with unknown offense
12% had a prior violent offense;
have committed their current offense
57% had been sentenced solely
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
types.
More than one type of drug may have been
for drug offenses.
involved in the current offense.
Assault, murder, and sexual assault
most closely tied to alcohol use at
the time of offense
Number of prisoners serving
a sentence for a drug of fense
1997 custody
population
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
300,000
277,859
prisoners reported the influence of
Total
alcohol at the time of offense. Among
State prisoners about two-fifths of
222,100
public-order and violent offenders were
200,000
State
drinking at the time of offense, followed
by a third of property and a quarter of
drug offenders. Among Federal prison-
ers reported use of alcohol at the time
100,000
of offense varied less by offense type,
ranging from 16% of property offenders
55,759
to 25% of violent offenders. For both
Federal
State and Federal prisoners, the
specific offenses most closely related
0
1980
1986
1991
1997
to alcohol use at the time of offense
were violent ones - assault, murder,
manslaughter, and sexual assault.
2 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Table 1. Alcohol or drug use at time of offense of State and Federal prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Percent of prisoners who reported being under the influence at time of offense
Estimated number of prisoners*
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Type of offense
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Total
1,046,705
88,018
37.2%
20.4%
32.6%
22.4%
52.5%
34.0%
Violent offenses
494,349
13,021
41.7%
24.5%
29.0%
24.5%
51.9%
39.8%
Murder
122,435
1,288
44.6
38.7
26.8
29.4
52.4
52.4
Negligent manslaughter
16,592
53
52.0
17.4
56.0
...
Sexual assault
89,328
713
40.0
32.3
21.5
7.9
45.2
32.3
Robbery
148,001
8,770
37.4
18.0
39.9
27.8
55.6
37.6
Assault
97,897
1,151
45.1
46.0
24.2
13.8
51.8
50.5
Other violent
20,096
1,046
39.6
32.2
29.0
15.9
48.2
37.2
Property offenses
230,177
5,964
34.5%
15.6%
36.6%
10.8%
53.2%
22.6%
Burglary
111,884
294
37.2
38.4
55.7
...
Larceny/theft
43,936
414
33.7
38.4
54.2
Motor vehicle theft
19,279
216
32.2
39.0
51.2
Fraud
28,102
4,283
25.2
10.4
30.5
6.5
42.8
14.5
Other property
26,976
757
36.0
22.8
30.6
16.4
53.2
34.6
Drug offenses
216,254
55,069
27.4%
19.8%
41.9%
25.0%
52.4%
34.6%
Possession
92,373
10,094
29.6
21.3
42.6
25.1
53.9
36.0
Trafficking
117,926
40,053
25.5
19.4
41.0
25.9
50.9
35.0
Other drug
5,955
4,922
29.9
19.7
47.1
17.1
59.2
29.0
Public-order offenses
103,344
13,026
43.2%
20.6%
23.1%
15.6%
56.2%
30.2%
Weapons
25,642
6,025
28.3
23.0
22.4
24.4
41.8
37.1
Other public-order
77,702
7,001
48.1
18.5
23.3
8.1
60.9
24.1
Too few cases in the sample to permit calculation.
blncludes rape and other sexual assault.
'Based on cases with valid offense data. See Methodology
for differences from other BJS prisoner counts.
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
most closely tied to drug influence,
drug use during the offense than State
prisoners said they used drugs at
while manslaughter (17%) and sexual
prisoners (42% and 37%, respectively).
the time of offense
assault (22%) offenders were the least
Murder (29%) and robbery (28%)
likely to report drug use during the
offenders were the Federal prisoners
A third of State prisoners said they had
offense.
most likely to report drug influence.
committed their current offense while
under the influence of drugs. Drug
About 1 in 5 Federal prisoners commit-
Prior drug use by State prisoners
(42%) and property offenders (37%)
ted their offense under the influence of
remained stable since 1991, except
reported the highest incidence of drug
drugs. Among violent offenders
for marijuana use
use at the time of offense, followed by
Federal prisoners (25%) were nearly as
violent (29%) and public-order offend-
likely as State prisoners (29%) to report
Over 80% of State prisoners said they
ers (23%). Among specific offenses
drug influence. However, Federal drug
had used drugs at some time in the
drug possession (43%) and trafficking
(25%) and property offenders (11%)
past; a slight increase since 1991
(41%) and robbery (40%) were the
reported a much lower incidence of
(table 2). Marijuana (77%) and
Table 2. Drug use of State prisoners, 1991 and 1997
Percent of State prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugᵇ
83.0%
79.4%
69.6%
62.2%
56.5%
49.9%
32.6%
31.0%
Marijuana/hashish
77.0
73.8
58.3
51.9
39.2
32.2
15.1
11.4
Cocaine/crack
49.2
49.4
33.6
31.9
25.0
25.2
14.8
14.5
Heroin/opiates
24.5
25.2
15.0
15.3
9.2
9.6
5.6
5.8
Depressants
23.7
24.0
11.3
10.8
5.1
3.8
1.8
1.0
Stimulants
28.3
29.7
16.3
16.6
9.0
7.4
4.2
2.9
Hallucinogens®
28.7
26.9
11.3
11.5
4.0
3.7
1.8
1.6
Inhalants
14.4
--
5.4
--
1.0
--
-
-
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
Other unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
'Includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
--Not reported.
"Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
"Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
*Includes LSD and PCP.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 3
Table-3. Drug use of Federal prisoners; 1991 and 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly*
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugᵇ
72.9%
60.1%
57.3%
42.1%
44.8%
31.8%
22.4%
16.8%
Marijuana/hashish
65.2
52.8
46.6
32.2
30.4
19.2
10.8
5.9
Cocaine/crack
44.8
37.3
28.2
20.6
20.0
15.4
9.3
7.7
Heroin/opiates
16.1
14.1
8.9
9.3
5.4
5.5
3.0
3.7
Depressants
16.5
13.1
8.0
5.3
3.2
1.4
1.0
0.3
Stimulants
20.9
16.8
12.9
8.3
7.6
3.9
4.1
1.8
Hallucinogens*
19.0
14.8
6.4
4.8
1.7
1.2
0.8
0.5
Inhalants
7.7
--
2.6
--
0.5
--
--
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
Other unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
--Not reported.
Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
Includes LSD and PCP.
cocaine-based drugs, including crack
Nearly three-quarters of Federal
Over 40% of Federal prisoners
(49%), were the most commonly used
prisoners had used drugs in the
used drugs in the month before the
drugs, followed by hallucinogens
past - up from 60% in 1991
offense; 20% used cocaine or crack
(29%), stimulants (28%), opiates,
including heroin, and depressants (both
In 1991, 60% of Federal prisoners
In the month before their current
24%). In addition, about 1 in 7 State
reported prior drug use, compared to
offense, 45% of Federal prisoners had
prisoners reported using inhalants in
79% of State prisoners (table 3). In
used drugs, an increase from the 32%
the past.
1997 this gap in prior drug use was
reported in 1991. The use of marijuana
narrowed, as the percentage of Federal
led this trend (up from 19% to 30%),
Fifty-seven percent of State prisoners
inmates reporting past drug use rose
while use of cocaine-based drugs
said they had used drugs in the month
to 73%, compared to 83% of State
showed a smaller increase (from 15%
before their current offense, up from
inmates. This increase was mostly
to 20%). Although the percentage of
50% in 1991. The use of marijuana
due to a rise in the percentage of
Federal prisoners using stimulants
in the month before the offense (39%)
Federal prisoners reporting prior use
grew slightly from 4% to 8%, fewer than
had increased since 1991 (32%), while
of marijuana (from 53% in 1991 to
10% of Federal inmates used any type
the use of other drugs remained largely
65%) and cocaine-based drugs (from
of drug besides marijuana and
unchanged. A quarter of State prison-
37% to 45%).
cocaine/crack in the month before
ers reported using cocaine-based
the offense.
drugs in the month before the offense.
Most other drug types showed modest
Opiates, including heroin, and stimu-
increases over this period. A fifth of
The percentage of Federal prisoners
lants (both 9%) were the only other
Federal prisoners had used stimulants
reporting the use of drugs at the time
types of drugs used by more than 5%
and hallucinogens, followed by depres-
of their offense grew from 17% to 22%
of State prisoners in the month before
sants and opiates, including heroin
since 1991. The percentage of Federal
the offense.
(both 16%). About 1 in 12 Federal
inmates using marijuana while commit-
prisoners reported the prior use of
ting their offense grew from 6% to 11%
A third of State prisoners had used
inhalants.
over this period, while the percentage
drugs at the time of offense, which was
using cocaine or crack was relatively
almost unchanged since 1991. The
The percentage of Federal inmates
unchanged at 9%. Fewer than 5% of
percentage of State prisoners reporting
reporting past regular drug use -
Federal inmates had used any other
marijuana use at the time of the offense
using at least once a week for a month
type of drug at the time of the offense.
grew slightly from 11% to 15%, while
or longer - also rose, from 42% to
the use of other types of drugs
57% since 1991. Past regular users
Despite these increases in past drug
remained the same since 1991.
of marijuana grew from a third to nearly
use among Federal prisoners, as well
Although many more State prisoners
half of the Federal prison population,
as their much higher percentage of
had used marijuana (77%) than
while a quarter had used cocaine-
drug offenders (see box, page 2),
cocaine-based drugs (49%) in the past,
based drugs regularly. Stimulants,
higher percentages of State prisoners
an equal percentage (15%) of State
such as methamphetamine, had been
still reported past drug use on all
inmates had used these drugs at the
used regularly by 13% of Federal
measures and for each type of drug.
time of the offense.
prisoners, up from 8% in 1991.
4 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Table-3. Drug use of Federal prisoners, 1991 and 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly*
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugb
72.9%
60.1%
57.3%
42.1%
44.8%
31.8%
22.4%
16.8%
Marijuana/hashish
65.2
52.8
46.6
32.2
30.4
19.2
10.8
5.9
Cocaine/crack
44.8
37.3
28.2
20.6
20.0
15.4
9.3
7.7
Heroin/opiates
16.1
14.1
8.9
9.3
5.4
5.5
3.0
3.7
Depressants
16.5
13.1
8.0
5.3
3.2
1.4
1.0
0.3
Stimulants
20.9
16.8
12.9
8.3
7.6
3.9
4.1
1.8
Hallucinogens®
19.0
14.8
6.4
4.8
1.7
1.2
0.8
0.5
Inhalants
7.7
--
2.6.
--
0.5
-
--
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
ᵇOther unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
°Includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
--Not reported.
"Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
"Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
Includes LSD and PCP.
cocaine-based drugs, including crack
Nearly three-quarters of Federal
Over 40% of Federal prisoners
(49%), were the most commonly used
prisoners had used drugs in the
used drugs in the month before the
drugs, followed by hallucinogens
past - up from 60% in 1991
offense; 20% used cocaine or crack
(29%), stimulants (28%), opiates,
including heroin, and depressants (both
In 1991, 60% of Federal prisoners
In the month before their current
24%). In addition, about 1 in 7 State
reported prior drug use, compared to
offense, 45% of Federal prisoners had
prisoners reported using inhalants in
79% of State prisoners (table 3). In
used drugs, an increase from the 32%
the past.
1997 this gap in prior drug use was
reported in 1991. The use of marijuana
narrowed, as the percentage of Federal
led this trend (up from 19% to 30%),
Fifty-seven percent of State prisoners
inmates reporting past drug use rose
while use of cocaine-based drugs
said they had used drugs in the month
to 73%, compared to 83% of State
showed a smaller increase (from 15%
before their current offense, up from
inmates. This increase was mostly
to 20%). Although the percentage of
50% in 1991. The use of marijuana
due to a rise in the percentage of
Federal prisoners using stimulants
in the month before the offense (39%)
Federal prisoners reporting prior use
grew slightly from 4% to 8%, fewer than
had increased since 1991 (32%), while
of marijuana (from 53% in 1991 to
10% of Federal inmates used any type
the use of other drugs remained largely
65%) and cocaine-based drugs (from
of drug besides marijuana and
unchanged. A quarter of State prison-
37% to 45%).
cocaine/crack in the month before
ers reported using cocaine-based
the offense.
drugs in the month before the offense.
Most other drug types showed modest
Opiates, including heroin, and stimu-
increases over this period. A fifth of
The percentage of Federal prisoners
lants (both 9%) were the only other
Federal prisoners had used stimulants
reporting the use of drugs at the time
types of drugs used by more than 5%
and hallucinogens, followed by depres-
of their offense grew from 17% to 22%
of State prisoners in the month before
sants and opiates, including heroin
since 1991. The percentage of Federal
the offense.
(both 16%). About 1 in 12 Federal
inmates using marijuana while commit-
prisoners reported the prior use of
ting their offense grew from 6% to 11%
A third of State prisoners had used
inhalants.
over this period, while the percentage
drugs at the time of offense, which was
using cocaine or crack was relatively
almost unchanged since 1991. The
The percentage of Federal inmates
unchanged at 9%. Fewer than 5% of
percentage of State prisoners reporting
reporting past regular drug use -
Federal inmates had used any other
marijuana use at the time of the offense
using at least once a week for a month
type of drug at the time of the offense.
grew slightly from 11% to 15%, while
or longer - also rose, from 42% to
the use of other types of drugs
57% since 1991. Past regular users
Despite these increases in past drug
remained the same since 1991.
of marijuana grew from a third to nearly
use among Federal prisoners, as well
Although many more State prisoners
half of the Federal prison population,
as their much higher percentage of
had used marijuana (77%) than
while a quarter had used cocaine-
drug offenders (see box, page 2),
cocaine-based drugs (49%) in the past,
based drugs regularly. Stimulants,
higher percentages of State prisoners
an equal percentage (15%) of State
such as methamphetamine, had been
still reported past drug use on all
inmates had used these drugs at the
used regularly by 13% of Federal
measures and for each type of drug.
time of the offense.
prisoners, up from 8% in 1991.
4 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Nearly 1 in 5 State prisoners said
Past experiences of alcohol abuse, by number of positive
they committed their offense to get
CAGE responses of State prisoners, 1997
money for drugs
Percent of State prisoners reporting past experience,
by the number of positive CAGE responses
Nineteen percent of State prisoners,
0
1
2
3
4
and 16% of Federal inmates said that
Under the influence of alcohol
they committed their current offense to
at the time of the offense
15.4%
46.7%
59.0%
65.9%
75.6%
obtain money for drugs. These
Ever had a binge
percentages represent a slight increase
drinking experience*
14.1
55.4
65.8
77.3
88.1
from 1991, when 17% of State and
10% of Federal prisoners identified
Ever gotten into physical fights
because of drinking
13.2
50.6
63.0
71.7
82.6
drug money as a mative for their
current offense.
Estimated number of State prisoners 573,473
118,628
111,759
128,065
127,681
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed as much as a fifth of liquor in a single day, equiva-
Percent of prisoners who
lent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or as many as 3 six-packs of beer.
reported committing their
offense to obtain money
for drugs
The CAGE questionnaire is a diagnos-
indicators of prior alcohol abuse from
1997
1991
tic instrument for detecting a person's
the Survey of Inmates in State Correc-
State prisoners
19%
17%
history of alcohol abuse or depend-
tional Facilities (table above). While
Federal prisoners
16
10
ence. CAGE is an acronym for the
14% of those State inmates with no
four questions used by the instrument
positive CAGE responses reported
Responses from a quarter of State, a
- attempts to (C)ut back on drinking,
a past "binge drinking" episode, the
sixth of Federal prisoners indicated
(A)nnoyance at others' criticism of
same was true of 88% of those with
past alcohol abuse or dependence
one's drinking, feelings of (G)uilt about
four CAGE replies. Likewise, 15%
drinking, and needing a drink first thing
of those with zero positive CAGE
According to the CAGE diagnostic
in the morning as an (E)ye opener to
responses had committed their offense
instrument (see box). 24% of State
steady the nerves. The CAGE instru-
while under the influence of alcohol,
prisoners reported experiences that
ment determines a person's likelihood
compared to 76% of those with four
are consistent with a history of alcohol
of alcohol abuse by the number of
positive replies. In this report, only
abuse or dependence (table 4). The
positive responses to these questions.
those prisoners with three or more
incidence of alcohol abuse among
positive responses are categorized
State prisoners varied somewhat by
In a clinical test involving hospital
as alcohol abusive or dependent.
offense type. Almost 33% of public-
admissions, three or more positive
order offenders provided three or more
CAGE responses carried a .99 predic-
*Data on the predictive values of the CAGE
instrument are taken from the article "Screening
positive CAGE responses, followed by
tive value for alcohol abuse or
for Alcohol Abuse Using the CAGE Question-
property (27%), violent (24%), and drug
dependence.* In addition, there is a
naire" by B. Bush and others, The American
offenders (19%). Drug offenders were
strong relationship of positive CAGE
Journal of Medicine, Vol. 82, February 1987,
also the least likely to report at least
responses to other self-reported
pp. 231-35.
one positive CAGE response (41%),
while public-order offenders (56%)
were the most likely.
Table 4. Number of positive CAGE responses for State and Federal
prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Federal prisoners were less likely than
State inmates to report past alcohol
Percent of prisoners, by the number
Estimated
of positive CAGE responses
abuse or dependence. Overall, 16%
Type of
number of
1 or
2 or
3 or
of Federal prisoners provided three or
offense
prisoners
more
more
more
4
more positive CAGE replies, with little
All State prisoners
1,046,705
46.3%
35.1%
24.4%
12.2%
variation across affense types. Violent
(19%) and public-order (17%) offenders
Violent
494,349
46.5%
35.4%
24.2%
11.7%
Property
230,177
47.9
37.6
27.3
14.7
were about as likely as drug (16%) and
Drug
216,254
40.9
28.1
19.1
9.0
property (15%) affenders to indicate a
Public-order
103,344
55.6
43.4
31.0
16.1
history of alcohol abuse. Federal
All Federal prisoners
88,018
34.9%
24.8%
16.3%
7.3%
prisoners were also less likely to have
provided at least one positive CAGE
Violent
13,021
40.5%
27.8%
18.8%
9.4%
response (35%) than State prisoners
Property
5,964
30.4
21.2
15.0
6.6
Drug
55,069
33.5
23.8
15.6
6.5
(46%).
Public-order
13,026
36.9
26.7
17.1
8.7
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 5
Table 5. Experiences white under the influence of alcohot or drugs reported by State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Past experiences
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Have you ever driven a car or any other vehicle
while under the influence of alcohol drugs?
46.8%
43.1%
53.1%
45.8%
64.3%
58.6%
Have you ever had arguments with your
spouse, family, or friends while or right after
drinking using drugs?
40.2
28.8
41.9
29.7
56.0
41.2
Have you ever lost a job because of your
drinking using drugs?
10.3
5.0
15.3
8.2
20.0
10.7
Have you ever had job or school trouble
because of your drinking using drugs
(such as demotion at work or dropping
out of school)?
15.6
7.8
22.3
12.0
28.0
15.5
Have you ever been arrested or held at
a police station because of your drinking
using drugs?
29.5
19.2
29.0
18.1
44.6
30.3
Have you ever gotten into a physical fight while
or right after drinking using drugs?
38.3
22.8
32.5
17.1
48.5
28.3
Have you ever had as much as a fifth of liquor
in 1 day (20 drinks, 3 six-packs of beer,
or 3 bottles of wine)?
41.0
30.3
--
-
-
I
Have you ever used a needle to inject any
drugs for nonmedical reasons?
--
--
20.0
12.3
-
-
--Not applicable.
Over 60% of all prisoners had driven
A slightly lower percentage of Federal
Prisoners were as likely to
while under the influence of alcohol
prisoners reported these experiences.
experience problems with
or drugs
As with State prisoners the most
alcohol as with drugs
commonly reported behavior was
Substantial percentages of both State
driving under the influence of alcohol
Breaking these behaviors down
and Federal prisoners reported having
or drugs (59%). Two-fifths of Federal
separately into alcohol- or drug-related
engaged in dangerous and troubled
prisoners had been involved in alcohol-
experiences yielded few substantial
behaviors associated with past alcohol
or drug-related domestic disputes, and
differences. For example, the percent-
and drug abuse. Among State prison-
nearly a third of Federal prisoners
age of State prisoners who had domes-
ers nearly two-thirds said they had
reported a prior arrest involving their
tic disputes (40%) or prior arrests
previously driven while under the influ-
alcohol or drug abuse. A tenth of
(29%) related to alcohol abuse
ence of alcohol or drugs (table 5). Half
Federal prisoners had lost their job due
matched those reporting such experi-
of State prisoners had also experi-
to alcohol or drug abuse, compared to
ences related to drug use (42% and
enced alcohol- or drug-related domes-
a fifth of State prisoners.
30%, respectively). Among Federal
tic disputes (56%) or had been involved
prisoners similar percentages reported
in physical fights related to their alcohol
Two-fifths of State prisoners reported a
driving under the influence of alcohol
or drug use (49%). Over 40% had
prior "binge drinking" experience -
(43%) and drugs (46%) and getting
been arrested at some time as a result
consuming the equivalent of a fifth of
into alcohol- (29%) and drug-related
of their alcohol or drug use, and over
liquor in a single day. In addition, 1 in 5
(30%) domestic disputes.
25% had experienced trouble at work
State prisoners said they had used
or school.
intravenous drugs in the past. Fewer
Federal inmates reported both "binge
drinking" (30%) and prior intravenous
drug use (12%).
6 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Table 5. Experiences while under the influence of alcohol or drugs reported by State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Past experiences
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Have you ever driven a car or any other vehicle
while under the influence of alcohol drugs?
46.8%
43.1%
53.1%
45.8%
64.3%
58.6%
Have you ever had arguments with your
spouse, family, or friends while or right after
drinking using drugs?
40.2
28.8
41.9
29.7
56.0
41.2
Have you ever lost a job because of your
drinking using drugs?
10.3
5.0
15.3
8.2
20.0
10.7
Have you ever had job or school trouble
because of your drinking using drugs
(such as demotion at work or dropping
out of school)?
15.6
7.8
22.3
12.0
28.0
15.5
Have you ever been arrested or held at
a police station because of your drinking
using drugs?
29.5
19.2
29.0
18.1
44.6
30.3
Have you ever gotten into a physical fight while
or right after drinking using drugs?
38.3
22.8
32.5
17.1
48.5
28.3
Have you ever had as much as a fifth of liquor
in 1 day (20 drinks, 3 six-packs of beer,
or 3 bottles of wine)?
41.0
30.3
-
-
-
-
Have you ever used a needle to inject any
drugs for nonmedical reasons?
--
--
20.0
12.3
-
-
--Not applicable.
Over 60% of all prisoners had driven
A slightly lower percentage of Federal
Prisoners were as likely to
while under the influence of alcohol
prisoners reported these experiences.
experience problems with
or drugs
As with State prisoners the most
alcohol as with drugs
commonly reported behavior was
Substantial percentages of both State
driving under the influence of alcohol
Breaking these behaviors down
and Federal prisoners reported having
or drugs (59%). Two-fifths of Federal
separately into alcohol- or drug-related
engaged in dangerous and troubled
prisoners had been involved in alcohol-
experiences yielded few substantial
behaviors associated with past alcohol
or drug-related domestic disputes, and
differences. For example, the percent-
and drug abuse. Among State prison-
nearly a third of Federal prisoners
age of State prisoners who had domes-
ers nearly two-thirds said they had
reported a prior arrest involving their
tic disputes (40%) or prior arrests
previously driven while under the influ-
alcohol or drug abuse. A tenth of
(29%) related to alcohol abuse
ence of alcohol or drugs (table 5). Half
Federal prisoners had lost their job due
matched those reporting such experi-
of State prisoners had also experi-
to alcohol or drug abuse, compared to
ences related to drug use (42% and
enced alcohol- or drug-related domes-
a fifth of State prisoners.
30%, respectively). Among Federal
tic disputes (56%) or had been involved
prisoners similar percentages reported
in physical fights related to their alcohol
Two-fifths of State prisoners reported a
driving under the influence of alcohol
or drug use (49%). Over 40% had
prior "binge drinking" experience -
(43%) and drugs (46%) and getting
been arrested at some time as a result
consuming the equivalent of a fifth of
into alcohol- (29%) and drug-related
of their alcohol or drug use, and over
liquor in a single day. In addition, 1 in 5
(30%) domestic disputes.
25% had experienced trouble at work
State prisoners said they had used
or school.
intravenous drugs in the past. Fewer
Federal inmates reported both "binge
drinking" (30%) and prior intravenous
drug use (12%).
6 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Female State prisoners reported
Prisoners age 44 and younger report
Over 80% of State prisoners under
higher levels of past drug use; levels
more prior drug abuse than older
45 reported some prior drug use,
higher for male Federal prisoners
prisoners
compared to 63% of those 45 or older.
A third of State prisoners under 45 said
Women in State prisons (62%) were
Prisoners in age categories below 45
they committed their offense while on
more likely than men (56%) to have
(87% of State, 76% of Federal prison-
drugs, compared to a fifth of those 45
used drugs in the month before the
ers) reported similar levels of prior drug
or older. Likewise, in Federal prisons
offense (table 6). Women were also
use, and their incidence of drug use
49% of prisoners under 45 had used
more likely to have committed their
was consistently higher than that of
drugs in the month before their offense,
offense while under the influence of
older prisoners.
compared to 32% of older prisoners.
drugs (40%, compared to 32%).
However, nearly equal percentages
Table 6. Levels of prior drug abuse, by selected characteristics
of men and women in State prisons
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
reported using drugs in the past.
Percent of prisoners reporting use of drugs -
Among Federal prisoners higher
Estimated
In the
number of
Ever in
Used
percentages of men reported past
month prior
At the time
Characteristic
prisoners*
the past
regularly
to offense
of offense
drug use (74%, compared to 63%
All State prisoners
1,059,607
83.0%
69.6%
56.5%
32.6%
of women) as well as drug use in the
month before the offense (45%,
Sex
compared to 37%). At the time of
Male
993,365
82.9%
69.3%
56.1%
32.1%
offense, about equal percentages
Female
66,242
84.0
73.6
62.4
40.4
of men (23%) and women (19%) in
Race/Hispanic origin
Federal prisons reported the influence
White non-Hispanic
352,864
83.6%
70.5%
55.2%
33.9%
of drugs during their offense.
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
83.7
70.5
58.3
31.9
Hispanic
179,998
80.7
65.6
55.0
33.0
Other
34,069
79.0
66.7
52.7
27.8
Prior drug use of State prisoners
varies little by race; Hispanics report
Age
lowest levels in Federal prisons
24 or younger
209,343
84.1%
71.1%
63.2%
33.3%
25-34
404,034
86.4
72.9
60.0
35.0
35-44
311,999
86.3
73.4
56.5
34.5
Among State prisoners prior drug use
45-54
103,470
70.5
55.2
40.4
22.7
patterns varied little across racial or
55 or older
30,761
39.0
24.3
18.4
9.7
ethnic groups. Similar percentages of
non-Hispanic whites and blacks (84%
All Federal prisoners
89,072
72.9%
57.3%
44.8%
22.4%
of each) and Hispanics (81%) reported
using drugs in the past. Slightly over
Sex
Male
82,646
73.7%
58.1%
45.4%
22.7%
half of each group had used drugs in
Female
6,426
62.8
47.2
36.7
19.3
the month before the offense, and
about a third of each said they had
Race/Hispanic origin
used drugs at the time of offense.
White non-Hispanic
26,616
77.2%
63.5%
49.4%
28.6%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
77.5
61.9
47.2
22.2
Hispanic
24,349
63.5
45.5
37.5
16.9
In Federal prisons fewer Hispanics
Other
4,411
64.2
50.0
38.5
18.1
reported drug use on all measures.
Less than half of Hispanic Federal
Age
24 or younger
7,933
80.4%
65.4%
57.2%
28.1%
prisoners had used drugs regularly,
25-34
32,634
76.0
60.6
48.5
23.0
and about a third used drugs in the
35-44
27,259
77.2
60.6
46.8
24.7
month before the offense. Nearly equal
45-54
14,501
67.6
52.5
35.2
18.8
55 or older
6,746
43.6
28.6
24.3
11.8
percentages of non-Hispanic whites
and blacks reported past drug use
"Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
Regular use is defined as once a week or more for at least a month.
(77% of whites, 78% of blacks), regular
drug use (63% and 62%), and drug use
in the month before the offense (49%
and 47%).
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 7
Alcohol abuse more prevalent
Non-Hispanic whites consistently.
Prisoners' reports of alcohol abuse
among whites, male prisoners
reported the highest levels of alcohol
were not related to age. Among those
abuse among State inmates. A major-
State prisoners in the age groups
Prior alcohol abuse was more prevalent
ity of whites reported a prior binge
between 25 and 54, similar percent-
among male prisoners (table 7). Male
drinking experience, and a third met the
ages reported all three measures of
State prisoners were more likely to
CAGE criteria for alcohol dependence.
prior alcohol abuse.
have been drinking at the time of the
Among Hispanic State inmates 40%
offense (38%) or to report past binge
reported a prior binge drinking experi-
Among Federal prisoners, between
drinking (42%) than women (about 29%
ence, and 22% met the CAGE criteria
12% and 20% of all age groups met the
for both). However, about a quarter of
for alcohol dependence, higher than
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence,
both men and women fit the CAGE
blacks on both measures (32% and
and those reporting alcohol influence
profile of alcohol dependence.
19%, respectively).
at time of offense ranged from 13%
to 22% of various age groups.
Among Federal inmates men were also
Prior alcohol abuse varied little by race
more likely than women to report each
among Federal prisoners. White
Three-quarters of all prisoners
measure of alcohol abuse. More male
Federal inmates reported the highest
can be characterized as alcohol-
Federal inmates committed their
incidence of prior binge drinking (38%),
or drug-involved offenders
offense while drinking (21%) and were
but were not significantly higher than
past "binge drinkers" (31%) than
black or Hispanic inmates on other
About three-quarters of all prisoners
women (15% and 19%, respectively).
alcohol abuse measures.
reported some type of involvement
with alcohol or drug abuse in the time
Table 7. Levels of prior alcohol abuse, by selected characteristics
leading up to their current offense.
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Among State prisoners the largest
groups of alcohol- or drug-involved
Percent of prisoners reporting prior alcohol abuse
inmates were those who used drugs
Estimated
Ever had a
Under the influence
3 or more
number of
"binge drinking"
of alcohol at the
positive CAGE
in the month before the offense (57%)
Characteristic
prisoners*
experience
time of offense
responses
and those under the influence of
All State prisoners
1,059,607
41.0%
37.2%
24.4%
alcohol or drugs while committing their
offense (52%). Among Federal prison-
Sex
Male
993,365
41.8%
37.7%
24.5%
ers conviction for a drug offense (63%)
Female
66,242
29.9
29.1
23.4
made up the largest component of
alcohol or drug involvement. Fewer
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
352,864
53.5%
42.7%
33.5%
Federal than State prisoners abused
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
31.9
33.0
18.6
drugs in the month before the offense
Hispanic
179,998
39.9
36.7
22.0
(45%), or used alcohol or drugs at the
Other
34,069
49.6
41.7
27.7
time of offense (34%).
Age
Percent of prisoners
24 or younger
209,343
40.2%
30.7%
15.8%
State
Federal
25-34
404,034
42.3
37.7
24.8
Current drug offense
20.7%
62.6%
35-44
311,999
42.3
41.3
28.6
Current DWI offense
1.6
-
45-54
103,470
37.4
37.7
28.5
55 or older
30,761
29.3
30.2
22.5
Alcohol/drug influence
at time of offense
52.5
34.0
All Federal prisoners
89,072
30.3%
20.4%
16.2%
Drug use in the month
prior to offense
56.5
44.8
Sex
3 or more positive
Male
82,646
31.2%
20.9%
16.6%
CAGE responses
24.4
16.2
Female
6,426
18.8
15.1
11.6
Alcohol- or drug-
Race/Hispanic origin
Involved prisoners
76.2%
82.1%
White non-Hispanic
26,616
38.3%
22.1%
19.3%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
25.0
21.1
12.5
Many drug offenders reported that they
Hispanic
24,349
28.2
16.8
17.8
were not using drugs regularly in the
Other
4,411
34.9
26.0
17.6
month before their offense. If such
Age
drug offenders were excluded from this
24 or younger
7,933
31.8%
18.4%
12.0%
category, the percentage of alcohol- or
25-34
32,634
32.1
22.5
15.3
drug-involved State inmates drops
35-44
27,259
30.8
20.5
17.2
45-54
14,501
29.1
20.2
19.7
slightly to 69%. However, with this
55 or older
6,746
20.8
13.4
14.5
restriction the percentage of Federal
*Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
prisoners who were alcohol- or drug-
involved declines sharply to 52%.
8 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Alcohol abuse more prevalent
Non t lispanic whites consistently.
Prisoners' reports of alcohol abuse
among whites, male prisoners
reported the highest levels of alcohol
were not related to age. Among those
abuse among State inmates. A major-
State prisoners in the age groups
Prior alcohol abuse was more prevalent
ity of whites reported a prior binge
between 25 and 54, similar percent-
among male prisoners (table 7). Male
drinking experience, and a third met the
ages reported all three measures of
State prisoners were more likely to
CAGE criteria for alcohol dependence.
prior alcohol abuse.
have been drinking at the time of the
Among Hispanic State inmates 40%
offense (38%) or to report past binge
reported a prior binge drinking experi-
Among Federal prisoners, between
drinking (42%) than women (about 29%
ence, and 22% met the CAGE criteria
12% and 20% of all age groups met the
for both). However, about a quarter of
for alcohol dependence, higher than
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence,
both men and women fit the CAGE
blacks on both measures (32% and
and those reporting alcohol influence
profile of alcohol dependence.
19%, respectively).
at time of offense ranged from. 13%
to 22% of various age groups.
Among Federal inmates men were also
Prior alcohol abuse varied little by race
more likely than women to report each
among Federal prisoners. White
Three-quarters of all prisoners
measure of alcohol abuse. More male
Federal inmates reported the highest
can be characterized as alcohol-
Federal inmates committed their
incidence of prior binge drinking (38%),
or drug-involved offenders
offense while drinking (21%) and were
but were not significantly higher than
past "binge drinkers" (31%) than
black or Hispanic inmates on other
About three-quarters of all prisoners
women (15% and 19%, respectively).
alcohol abuse measures.
reported some type of involvement
with alcohol or drug abuse in the time
Table 7. Levels of prior alcohol abuse, by selected characteristics
leading up to their current offense.
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Among State prisoners the largest
groups of alcohol- or drug-involved
Percent of prisoners reporting prior alcohol abuse
inmates were those who used drugs
Estimated
Ever had a
Under the influence
3 or more
number of
"binge drinking"
of alcohol at the
positive CAGE
in the month before the offense (57%)
Characteristic
prisoners*
experience
time of offense
responses
and those under the influence of
All State prisoners
1,059,607
41.0%
37.2%
24.4%
alcohol or drugs while committing their
offense (52%). Among Federal prison-
Sex
Male
993,365
41.8%
24.5%
ers conviction for a drug offense (63%)
37.7%
Female
66,242
29.9
29.1
23.4
made up the largest component of
alcohol or drug involvement. Fewer
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
352,864
53.5%
42.7%
33.5%
Federal than State prisoners abused
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
31.9
33.0
18.6
drugs in the month before the offense
Hispanic
179,998
39.9
36.7
22.0
(45%), or used alcohol or drugs at the
Other
34,069
49.6
41.7
27.7
time of offense (34%).
Age
Percent of prisoners
24 or younger
209,343
40.2%
30.7%
15.8%
State
Federal
25-34
404,034
42.3
37.7
24.8
35-44
311,999
42.3
41.3
28.6
Current drug offense
20.7%
62.6%
Current DWI offense
1.6
--
45-54
103,470
37.4
37.7
28.5
55 or older
30,761
22.5
Alcohol/drug influence
29.3
30.2
at time of offense
52.5
34.0
All Federal prisoners
89,072
30.3%
20.4%
16.2%
Drug use in the month
prior to offense
56.5
44.8
Sex
3 or more positive
Male
82,646
31.2%
20.9%
16.6%
CAGE responses
24.4
16.2
Female
6,426
18.8
15.1
11.6
Alcohol- or drug-
76.2%
82.1%
Race/Hispanic origin
involved prisoners
White non-Hispanic
26,616
38.3%
22.1%
19.3%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
25.0
21.1
12.5
Many drug offenders reported that they
Hispanic
24,349
28.2
16.8
17.8
were not using drugs regularly in the
Other
4,411
34.9
26.0
17.6
month before their offense. If such
drug offenders were excluded from this
Age
24 or younger
7,933
31.8%
18.4%
12.0%
category, the percentage of alcohol- or
25-34
32,634
32.1
22.5
15.3
drug-involved State inmates drops
35-44
27,259
30.8
20.5
17.2
45-54
14,501
29.1
20.2
19.7
slightly to 69%. However, with this
55 or older
6,746
20.8
13.4
14.5
restriction the percentage of Federal
*Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
prisoners who were alcohol- or drug-
involved declines sharply to 52%.
8 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
A third of State, a quarter of Federal
Among Federal prisoners 1 in 4 said
Participation in substance abuse treat-
prisoners said they had ever been
they had ever been in alcohol or drug
ment since admission also varied by
treated for substance abuse
treatment, and 1 in 10 had been treated
the amount of time remaining until
since their admission to prison. In
expected release. Among those
A third of State prisoners reported past
addition, a third of Federal prisoners
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
participation in alcohol or drug abuse
reported participation in other alcohol
serving their final 6 months, a higher
treatment, such as time spent in a
or drug programs, and a fifth had taken
percentage said they had been treated
residential facility, professional
part in such programs since admission.
since admission (19% of State, 20% of
counseling, detoxification, or use of a
Federal) than those with over a year
maintenance drug (table 8). About
Treatment tied to past use, time
until release (13% of State, 10% of
1 in 8 State prisoners had participated
remaining until expected release
Federal). Participation in other abuse
in these types of alcohol or drug treat-
programs was also highest for those
ment since their admission to prison.
Participation in treatment programs
alcohol- or drug-involved offenders
rose among those prisoners involved
serving their final 6 months in prison.
Two-fifths of State prisoners also
with alcohol or drugs at the time of their
Percent of alcohol-
reported past participation in other
offense. Among alcohol- or drug-
or drug-involved
alcohol or drug abuse programs, such
involved State prisoners, 41% reported
prisoners participating
since admission
as self-help groups, peer counseling,
past treatment, including 15% who had
Time to
Other
and education/awareness programs.
been treated since admission. Among
expected release
Treatment
programs
A quarter of State prisoners had taken
Federal prisoners who had committed
State prisoners
part in such programs since their
their offense under the influence of
Less than 6 months
18.6%
34.0%
admission. Overall, a majority (56%) of
alcohol or drugs, 41% reported past
6-12 months
16.3
32.4
Greater than 1 year
12.6
31.0
State prisoners had taken part in either
treatment and 17% had been treated
substance abuse treatment or other
since admission. About two-thirds of all
Federal prisoners
alcohol and drug programs in the past,
prisoners who committed their offense
Less than 6 months
20.5%
36.9%
6-12 months
12.5
28.4
and a third had enrolled in either since
under the influence had ever been in
Greater than 1 year
10.0
24.2
their admission to prison.
treatment or other abuse programs.
Table 8. Substance abuse treatment history of State and Federal prisoners, by reported prior substance abuse, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol- or drug-involved
Under the influence of alcohol
Total
prisoners
or drugs at the time of offense
Type of treatment
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Ever in any treatment or programs
56.4%
46.4%
64.8%
51.4%
69.3%
66.1%
Any treatment
34.5
24.6
41.5
27.7
46.3
40.6%
Other alcohol/drug programs
43.1
35.4
49.4
39.2
52.5
50.8
Participated while under
correctional supervision
47.8%
39.2%
55.2%
43.5%
59.2%
55.8%
Any treatment
26.2
18.9
31.7
21.3
35.5
30.4
In prison/jail
19.7
15.0
23.9
16.9
27.0
24.6
On probation/parole
15.0
8.4
18.3
9.6
20.6
14.6
Other alcohol/drug programs
37.5
30.9
43.2
34.4
46.2
44.9
In prison/jail
33.3
27.4
38.3
30.5
41.0
40.6
On probation/parole
17.2
10.1
20.5
11.4
22.6
16.1
Participated since admission
32.5%
28.2%
37.7%
31.6%
41.1%
42.7%
Any treatment
12.0
10.4
14.6
11.7
16.7
17.4
Residential facility or unit
6.9
7.3
8.5
8.2
10.1
12.4
Counseling by a professional
5.1
3.8
6.2
4.3
6.9
6.3
Detoxification unit
0.8
0.2
1.0
0.2
1.3
0.3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.2
Other alcohol/drug programs
27.5
23.1
31.9
26.0
34.6
35.2
Self-help group/peer counseling
22.7
11.2
26.7
12.8
29.3
20.5
Education program
12.6
16.8
14.8
18.8
16.2
24.2
Estimated number of prisoners
1,047,933
87,839
806,758
73,103
543,869
29,468
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners may have participated
in more than one type of treatment program.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 9
Table 9. Drug treatment of State and Federal prisoners since admission, by levels of prior drug use, 1991 and 1997
Percent of prisoners reporting participation
Estimated
Other drug abuse
number of
Drug treatment since admission
program since admission
prisoners, 1997
State
Federal
State
Federal
Level of prior drug use
State
Federal
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
All prisoners
1,048,752
87,720
9.7%
24.5%
9.2%
15.7%
20.3%
15.5%
20.0%
10.1%
Prisoners who used drugs
Ever
870,558
63,979
11.5%
31.1%
12.4%
26.3%
24.0%
19.6%
26.0%
16.9%
Regularly*
729,578
50,244
13.1
33.9
14.5
30.9
26.4
22.2
29.6
20.1
In the month before offense
592,611
39,275
14.6
36.5
15.4
33.7
28.3
23.7
31.7
22.0
At the time of offense
338,481
19,507
18.0
41.0
18.9
39.4
32.2
27.2
38.0
25.4
*Regular use is defined as once a week for at least a month.
Prisoners' participation in drug
Among both State and Federal prison-
1 in 4 prisoners participated in either
treatment dropped since 1991;
ers, enrollment in other drug abuse
drug treatment or other drug abuse
other drug programs grew
programs, such as self-help or peer
programs since admission
groups and drug education classes,
In both State and Federal prisons, the
had gone up over this period. In 1997
In both State and Federal prisons,
percentage of inmates who reported
20% of both State and Federal prison-
about a quarter of all prisoners had
being treated for drug abuse since their
ers reported participation in drug abuse
participated in either drug treatment or
admission dropped since 1991 (table
programs during their current prison
other drug abuse programs since
9). In 1997, 1 in 10 State prisoners
term, up from 16% of State and 10%
admission (table 10). Among specific
reported being treated for drug abuse
of Federal prisoners in 1991. Among
types of programs, more State prison-
since admission; a decrease from the 1
those prisoners who used drugs at the
ers participated in self-help or peer
in 4 prisoners reporting such treatment
time of offense, participation in these
groups (16%) and drug abuse educa-
in 1991. There was also a drop in the
programs had risen to 32% of State
tion classes (10%) than in residential
percentage of Federal prisoners (9%)
and 38% of Federal prisoners in 1997,
treatment (6%) and professional drug
reporting treatment since admission
compared to about 25% of each
abuse counseling (4%).
(16% in 1991).
in 1991.
Compared to State prisoners' reported
Since 1991 fewer prisoners with a drug
These data represent an underestimate
activities, participation in self-help or
abuse history reported drug treatment
of the total number of prisoners who
peer groups was lower among Federal
since admission. Among those prison-
will ultimately receive drug treatment
inmates (9%), while enrollment in drug
ers who had been using drugs in the
during their current prison term. At any
abuse education (15%) was higher
month before the offense, 15% of both
one time the prison population repre-
(table 11). However, Federal prisoners'
State and Federal inmates said they
sents a broad range of inmates, from
participation in either of these programs
had received drug abuse treatment
newly admitted prisoners to those who
still outpaced that of residential treat-
during their current prison term, down
have served as much as a decade or
ment (6%) and professional counseling
from a third of such offenders in 1991.
more in prison. The likelihood of
(3%) programs.
Among those who were using drugs at
receiving substance abuse treatment
the time of offense, about 18% of both
increases as a prisoner's expected
State and Federal prisoners reported
release date approaches (text table,
participation in drug treatment since
page 9). Some of the inmates who did
admission, compared to about 40% in
not report drug abuse treatment since
1991.
admission will receive treatment before
the completion of their prison term.
10 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Table 9. Drug treatment of State and Federatprisoners since admission, by levels of prior drug use, 1991 and 1997
Percent of prisoners reporting participation
Estimated
Other drug abuse
number of
Drug treatment since admission
program since admission
prisoners, 1997
State
Federal
State
Federal
Level of prior drug use
State
Federal
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
All prisoners
1,048,752
87,720
9.7%
24.5%
9.2%
15.7%
20.3%
15.5%
20.0%
10.1%
Prisoners who used drugs
Ever
870,558
63,979
11.5%
31.1%
12.4%
26.3%
24.0%
19.6%
26.0%
16.9%
Regularly*
729,578
50,244
13.1
33.9
14.5
30.9
26.4
22.2
29.6
20.1
In the month before offense
592,611
39,275
14.6
36.5
15.4
33.7
28.3
23.7
31.7
22.0
At the time of offense
338,481
19,507
18.0
41.0
18.9
39.4
32.2
27.2
38.0
25.4
*Regular use is defined as once a week for at least a month.
Prisoners' participation in drug
Among both State and Federal prison-
1 in 4 prisoners participated in either
treatment dropped since 1991;
ers, enrollment in other drug abuse
drug treatment or other drug abuse
other drug programs grew
programs, such as self-help or peer
programs since admission
groups and drug education classes,
In both State and Federal prisons, the
had gone up over this period. In 1997
In both State and Federal prisons,
percentage of inmates who reported
20% of both State and Federal prison-
about a quarter of all prisoners had
being treated for drug abuse since their
ers reported participation in drug abuse
participated in either drug treatment or
admission dropped since 1991 (table
programs during their current prison
other drug abuse programs since
9). In 1997, 1 in 10 State prisoners
term, up from 16% of State and 10%
admission (table 10). Among specific
reported being treated for drug abuse
of Federal prisoners in 1991. Among
types of programs, more State prison-
since admission; a decrease from the 1
those prisoners who used drugs at the
ers participated in self-help or peer
in 4 prisoners reporting such treatment
time of offense, participation in these
groups (16%) and drug abuse educa-
in 1991. There was also a drop in the
programs had risen to 32% of State
tion classes (10%) than in residential
percentage of Federal prisoners (9%)
and 38% of Federal prisoners in 1997,
treatment (6%) and professional drug
reporting treatment since admission
compared to about 25% of each
abuse counseling (4%).
(16% in 1991).
in 1991.
Compared to State prisoners' reported
Since 1991 fewer prisoners with a drug
These data represent an underestimate
activities, participation in self-help or
abuse history reported drug treatment
of the total number of prisoners who
peer groups was lower among Federal
since admission. Among those prison-
will ultimately receive drug treatment
inmates (9%), while enrollment in drug
ers who had been using drugs in the
during their current prison term. At any
abuse education (15%) was higher
month before the offense, 15% of both
one time the prison population repre-
(table 11). However, Federal prisoners'
State and Federal inmates said they.
sents a broad range of inmates, from
participation in either of these programs
had received drug abuse treatment
newly admitted prisoners to those who
still outpaced that of residential treat-
during their current prison term, down
have served as much as a decade or
ment (6%) and professional counseling
from a third of such offenders in 1991.
more in prison. The likelihood of
(3%) programs.
Among those who were using drugs at
receiving substance abuse treatment
the time of offense, about 18% of both
increases as a prisoner's expected
State and Federal prisoners reported
release date approaches (text table,
participation in drug treatment since
page 9). Some of the inmates who did
admission, compared to about 40% in
not report drug abuse treatment since
1991.
admission will receive treatment before
the completion of their prison term.
10
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Among prisoners with past drug
Among those State inmates using
their offense under the influence of
abuse, treatment provided less
drugs at the time of the offense, 18%
drugs, 19% had been treated since
commonly than other programs
had been in drug treatment since
admission, including 14% who had
admission, while 32% had enrolled
been in a residential drug treatment
While drug treatment since admission
in a drug abuse program or group.
program.
was more prevalent among those
Overall, about 40% of these State
prisoners with drug abuse histories,
prisoners had participated in either
As was the case in State prisons, more
more of these inmates had been in
drug treatment or another drug abuse
drug-abusing Federal offenders partici-
other abuse programs. Of those State
program since admission.
pated in other drug abuse programs.
prisoners who used drugs in the month
Among Federal inmates who had used
before the offense, 9% had been in a
Among Federal prisoners with a history
drugs in the month before the offense,
residential treatment facility, and 6%
of drug abuse, the percentage reporting
about 33% had enrolled in programs
had received professional counseling
drug treatment since admission also
such as drug abuse education (24%)
since admission. In comparison, 23%
rose. Of those who had used drugs in
and self-help or peer groups (16%),
of these inmates had joined a self-help
the month before the offense, 15% had
compared to 11% reporting residential
or peer group since admission, and
been treated since admission. Among
treatment. Of those Federal inmates
14% had taken a drug education class.
those Federal prisoners who committed
who were using drugs at the time of
offense, about twice as many reported
Table 10. Types of drug treatment received by State prisoners
enrollment in a drug abuse program
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
since admission (38%), than partici-
pated in drug treatment (19%).
Percent of State prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
Overall, similar percentages of State
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly*
prior to offense
of
offense
and Federal prisoners reported partici-
Any treatment or program
24.4%
28.8%
31.8%
34.3%
39.3%
pation in either drug abuse treatment
or other programs since admission.
Treatment
9.7%
11.5%
13.1%
14.6%
18.0%
Residential facility or unit
5.7
6.7
7.7
8.8
11.3
Among those offenders who had ever
Professional counseling
4.1
4.9
5.6
6.0
7.1
used drugs, 29% of State and 32% of
Detoxification unit
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.4
Federal prisoners reported taking part
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
in either drug treatment or other
Other programs
20.3%
24.0%
26.4%
28.3%
32.2%
programs since admission. Participa-
Self-help group/peer
tion increased among more seriaus
counseling
16.1
19.1
21.3
23.1
26.6
Education
10.2
12.0
13.2
14.1
16.0
drug users and rose to 40% of State
and 46% of Federal prisoners who had
Estimated number of
used drugs at the time of offense.
State prisoners
1,047,701
870,558
729,578
592,611
338,481
*Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Table 11. Types of drug treatment received by Federal prisoners
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly*
prior to offense
of offense
Any treatment or program
24.5%
32.1%
36.4%
38.8%
45.8%
Treatment
9.2%
12.4%
14.5%
15.4%
18.9%
Residential facility or unit
6.5
8.6
10.3
10.9
14.1
Professional counseling
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.5
6.4
Detoxification unit
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.3
Other programs
20.0%
26.0%
29.6%
31.7%
38.0%
Self-help group/peer
counseling
8.9
11.9
14.4
15.8
21.1
Education
15.2
19.6
22.1
23.8
27.5
Estimated number of
Federal prisoners
87,790
63,979
50,244
39,275
19,507
*Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 11
A quarter of State and a fifth of
classes, was higher among both State
About 1 in 6 State and Federal prison-
Federal prisoners received alcohol
(21%) and Federal (17%) prisoners.
ers who met the CAGE criteria for
treatment since admission
alcohol dependence reported taking
Among those prisoners with a history
part in alcohol treatment during their
Since their admission to prison, nearly
of alcohol abuse, participation in
current prison term.
equal percentages of State (8%) and
alcohol treatment was more prevalent.
Federal (7%) prisoners had been
Of those prisoners who reported a
Less than a fifth of alcohol-abusing
treated for alcohol abuse (tables 12
previous alcohol-related physical fight,
prisoners received treatment; about
and 13). Participation in other alcohol
about 14% of both State and Federal
a third enrolled in other programs
abuse programs, such as Alcoholics
prisoners said they had been treated
Anonymous and alcohol education
for alcohol abuse since admission.
Prisoners who had abused alcohol
were less likely to report participation
Table 12. Types of alcohol treatment received by State prisoners
in alcohol treatment than in other abuse
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
programs. Among State prisoners who
committed their offense while drinking,
Percent of State prisoners
more prisoners had enrolled in self-help
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
or peer groups (29%) and alcohol
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
abuse education classes (16%) since
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
admission than had been in residential
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
responses
treatment (9%) or professional counsel-
Any treatment or program
24.0%
36.1%
36.6%
38.8%
43.6%
ing (6%). Among those State prisoners
Treatment
8.4%
13.9%
14.4%
14.4%
17.9%
who provided three or more positive
Residential facility or unit
5.0
8.4
8.5
8.7
11.0
CAGE responses, a third had enrolled
Professional counseling
3.5
5.9
6.6
6.3
7.9
Detoxification unit
0.6
1.0
1.1
1.0
1.6
in self-help or peer groups alone,
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
compared to fewer than a fifth who
had been in any kind of alcohol treat-
Other programs
20.6%
30.9%
31.7%
33.7%
37.7%
ment since admission.
Self-help group/peer
counseling
16.9
26.3
26.7
28.8
32.6
Education
9.7
14.3
15.1
15.6
17.5
Federal prisoners with a history of
Estimated number
alcohol abuse also reported greater
of State prisoners
1047701
429,222
401,262
387,137
255,746
participation in alcohol abuse programs
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
than in alcohol treatment. Among
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
those Federal prisoners who had
committed their offense while under the
influence of alcohol, more prisoners
Table 13. Types of alcohol treatment received by Federal prisoners
had enrolled in alcohol education
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
classes (19%) and self-help or peer
groups (18%) since admission than in
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
residential treatment (10%) or profes-
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
sional counseling (5%).
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
Overall, the rates of participation in
responses
alcohol treatment and other programs
Any treatment or program.
20.3%
36.1%
36.4%
36.0%
41.0%
were fairly equal in State and Federal
Treatment
7.0%
13.8%
14.6%
13.8%
17.5%
prisons. Among those prisoners who
Residential facility or unit
5.0
10.4
11.0
9.6
12.8
were drinking at the time of the offense,
Professional counseling
2.5
4.7
4.8
4.9
6.7
Detoxification unit
0.1
0.3
14% of both State and Federal inmates
0.4
0.4
0.5
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.7
said that they had been treated for
alcohol abuse since admission. Also,
Other programs
16.8%
29.8%
30.1%
30.5%
33.9%
Self-help group/peer
similar percentages of State (44%) and
counseling
7.9
16.8
17.6
17.8
19.8
Federal (41%) prisoners who met the
Education
12.0
19.9
20.1
19.3
22.3
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence
Estimated number
had taken part in either alcohol treat-
of Federal prisoners
87,790
26,517
19,937
17,829
14,241
ment or other programs since
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
admission.
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
12 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
A quarter of State and a fifth of
classes, was higher among both State
About in 6-State and Federal prison-
Federal prisoners received alcohol
(21%) and Federal (17%) prisoners.
ers who met the CAGE criteria for
treatment since admission
alcohol dependence reported taking
Among those prisoners with a history
part in alcohol treatment during their
Since their admission to prison, nearly
of alcohol abuse, participation in
current prison term.
equal percentages of State (8%) and
alcohol treatment was more prevalent.
Federal (7%) prisoners had been
Of those prisoners who reported a
Less than a fifth of alcohol-abusing
treated for alcohol abuse (tables 12
previous alcohol-related physical fight,
prisoners received treatment; about
and 13). Participation in other alcohol
about 14% of both State and Federal
a third enrolled in other programs
abuse programs, such as Alcoholics
prisoners said they had been treated
Anonymous and alcohol education
for alcohol abuse since admission.
Prisoners who had abused alcohol
were less likely to report participation
Table 12. Types of alcohol treatment received by State prisoners
in alcohol treatment than in other abuse
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
programs. Among State prisoners who
committed their offense while drinking,
Percent of State prisoners
more prisoners had enrolled in self-help
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
or peer groups (29%) and alcohol
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
abuse education classes (16%) since
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
admission than had been in residential
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
responses
treatment (9%) or professional counsel-
Any treatment or program
24.0%
36.1%
36.6%
38.8%
43.6%
ing (6%). Among those State prisoners
Treatment
8.4%
13.9%
14.4%
14.4%
17.9%
who provided three or more positive
Residential facility or unit
5.0
8.4
8.5
8.7
11.0
CAGE responses, a third had enrolled
Professional counseling
3.5
5.9
6.6
6.3
7.9
Detoxification unit
0.6
1.0
1.1
in self-help or peer groups alone,
1.0
1.6
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
compared to fewer than a fifth who
had been in any kind of alcohol treat-
Other programs
20.6%
30.9%
31.7%
33.7%
37.7%
ment since admission.
Self-help group/peer
counseling
16.9
26.3
26.7
28.8
32.6
Education
9.7
14.3
15.1
15.6
17.5
Federal prisoners with a history of
Estimated number
alcohol abuse also reported greater
of State prisoners
1047701
429,222
401,262
387,137
255,746
participation in alcohol abuse programs
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
than in alcohol treatment. Among
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
those Federal prisoners who had
committed their offense while under the
influence of alcohol, more prisoners
Table 13. Types of alcohol treatment received by Federal prisoners
had enrolled in alcohol education
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
classes (19%) and self-help or peer
groups (18%) since admission than in
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
residential treatment (10%) or profes-
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
sional counseling (5%).
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
Overall, the rates of participation in
responses
alcohol treatment and other programs
Any treatment or program.
20.3%
36.1%
36.4%
36.0%
41.0%
were fairly equal in State and Federal
Treatment
7.0%
13.8%
14.6%
13.8%
17.5%
prisons. Among those prisoners who
Residential facility or unit
5.0
10.4
11.0
9.6
12.8
were drinking at the time of the offense,
Professional counseling
2.5
4.7
4.8
4.9
6.7
Detoxification unit
0.1
14% of both State and Federal inmates
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.7
said that they had been treated for
alcohol abuse since admission. Also,
Other programs
16.8%
29.8%
30.1%
30.5%
33.9%
Self-help group/peer
similar percentages of State (44%) and
counseling
7.9
16.8
17.6
17.8
19.8
Federal (41%) prisoners who met the
Education
12.0
19.9
20.1
19.3
22.3
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence
Estimated number
had taken part in either alcohol treat-
of Federal prisoners
87,790
26,517
19,937
17,829
14,241
ment or other programs since
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
admission.
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
12 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Women, whites more likely to
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
The rate of treatment of alcohol- or
receive substance abuse treatment
reported enrollment in other substance
drug-involved Federal prisoners varied
since admission to State prison
abuse programs since admission.
little by age. For those inmates in age
groups between 25 and 54, the
Among those State prisoners who
As with alcohol- or drug-involved
percentage who had been treated since
can be described as alcohol- or drug-
offenders in State prisons, whites were
admission only ranged from 12% to
involved offenders, women (56%) were
the most likely of these inmates in
14%, and about 27% of each had
more likely than men (41%) to have
Federal prisons to receive treatment
taken part in other substance abuse
ever been treated for substance abuse
since admission (16%), compared to
programs since admission. Federal
(table 14). A higher percentage of
blacks (12%) and Hispanics (8%).
inmates in both the youngest and
female alcohol- or drug-involved
More whites were also enrolled in other
oldest age groups reported lower
offenders (20%, compared to 14% of
substance abuse programs since
participation in both treatment and
male offenders) also reported being
admission (35%) than other inmates.
other programs.
treated since their admission to prison.
However, equal percentages of men
Table 14. Alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners treated
and women reported participation in a
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
substance abuse program, both in the
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners reporting -
past (49%) and since admission (32%).
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
number
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
of State
Slightly higher percentages of white
Since
Since
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
alcohol- or drug-involved State prison-
Total
806,758
41.5%
14.6%
49.4%
31.9%
ers (17%) said they were treated for
substance abuse since admission,
Sex
compared to blacks (13%) and Hispan-
Male
754,418
40.5%
14.2%
49.4%
31.9%
Female
52,340
55.6
19.6
49.3
31.9
ics (12%). Whites were also the only
group of alcohol- or drug-involved
Race/Hispanic origin
prisoners to have a majority report past
White non-Hispanic
271,345
51.8%
17.0%
58.0%
36.3%
Black non-Hispanic
367,331
36.6
13.5
46.7
31.6
substance abuse treatment (52%) or
Hispanic
142,610
33.8
12.5
39.2
23.9
past alcohol or drug programs (58%).
Other
25,472
46.2
16.2
54.2
34.8
The prevalence of substance abuse
Age
24 or younger
158,705
29.3%
10.2%
37.9%
22.6%
treatment among alcohol- or drug-
25-34
316,744
43.1
15.2
50.2
33.1
involved offenders showed little
35-44
242,579
47.4
16.8
54.4
35.5
45-54
71,936
42.4
14.9
53.9
35.5
relationship to age. Similar rates of
55 or older
16,794
36.7
10.1
52.4
31.8
State prisoners in age groups between
25 and 54 reported treatment during
their current sentence (about 1 in 6 of
Table 15. Alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners treated
each) as well as participation in other
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
programs (about 1 in 3 of each). Those
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners reporting -
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners 24
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
or younger, and those 55 or older,
number of
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
Federal
reported the lowest incidence of partici-
Since
Since
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
pation in substance abuse treatment or
Total
73,103
27.7%
11.7%
39.2%
26.0%
other programs.
Sex
Substance abuse treatment of
Male
67,856
27.6%
11.6%
39.6%
26.1%
Female
5,247
28.8
13.3
34.2
25.2
Federal prisoners shows little
variation by sex or age
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
20,178
39.5%
16.0%
51.6%
34.9%
Black non-Hispanic
28,514
25.7
11.9
39.0
25.0
Among those Federal prisoners charac-
Hispanic
21,185
19.0
8.2
28.1
18.5
terized as alcohol- or drug-involved
Other
3,225
29.1
7.3
38.5
29.1
offenders, similar percentages of men
Age
(12%) and women (13%) said they
24 or younger
6,736
21.8%
8.1%
35.2%
24.0%
received substance abuse treatment
25-34
27,500
27.3
12.5
39.2
26.4
since admission (table 15). About a
35-44
22,634
30.2
12.6
41.9
27.6
45-54
11,074
32.8
13.7
quarter of both male and female
40.8
26.8
55 or older
5,159
15.0
4.5
29.5
17.7
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 13
Methodology
prisons was then selected within strata
preceding answers Before the inter
with probabilities proportionate to the
view, inmates were told verbally and in
The U.S. Bureau of the Census
size of each prison.
writing that participation was voluntary
conducted the 1997 Survey of Inmates
and that all information provided would
in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF)
For the sample of Federal prisons, one
be held in confidence. Participants
for the Bureau of Justice Statistics
male prison and two female prisons
were assured that the survey was
(BJS) and the 1997 Survey of Inmates
were selected with certainty. The
solely for statistical purposes and that
in Federal Correctional Facilities
remaining 112 male facilities were
no individual who participated could be
(SIFCF) for BJS and the Bureau of
classified into 5 strata defined by
identified through use of survey results.
Prisons. From June through October,
security level (high, medium, low,
1997, inmates were interviewed about
minimum, and administrative). The 20
Estimates of prisoner counts
their current offense and sentences,
remaining female facilities were strati-
criminal histories, family and personal
fied into 2 strata by security level
Based on the completed interviews,
backgrounds, gun possession and use,
(administrative and not administrative).
estimates for the entire population were
prior drug and alcohol use and treat-
Within security level, facilities were
developed using weighting factors
ment, educational programs, and other
ordered by size of population and then
derived from the original probability of
services provided while in prison.
selected with probability proportionate
selection in the sample. These factors
Similar surveys of State prison inmates
to size.
were adjusted for variable rates of
were conducted in 1974, 1979, 1986,
nonresponse across strata and
and 1991. Federal inmates were
For the State survey 280 prisons were
inmates' characteristics and offenses.
surveyed for the first time in 1991.
selected, 220 male facilities and 60
The sample for the State survey was
female facilities. Of the 280 facilities 3
adjusted to midyear custody counts for
Sample design
refused to allow interviewing and 2
June 30, 1997, from data obtained in
closed before the survey could be
the National Prisoner Statistics series
The samples for the SISCF and SIFCF
conducted. Overall, 32 male facilities
(NPS-1A). The sample from the
were taken from a universe of 1,409
and 8 female facilities were selected for
Federal facilities was weighted to the
State prisons and 127 Federal prisons
the Federal survey, and all participated.
total known sentenced custody popula-
enumerated in the 1995 Census of
tion at midyear 1997.
State and Federal Adult Correctional
In the second stage, inmates were
Facilities or opened between comple-
selected for interviewing. For State
Excluded from the estimate of Federal
tion of the census and June 30, 1996.
facilities interviewers selected the
inmates were unsentenced inmates
The sample design for both surveys
sample systematically using a random
and those prisoners under Federal
was a stratified two-stage selection;
start and a total number of interviews
jurisdiction but housed in State and
first, selecting prisons, and second,
based upon the size and sex of the
private contract facilities. Those
selecting inmates in those prisons.
facility. For the Federal facilities, a
prisoners who were under State juris-
sample of inmates was selected for
diction, yet held in local jails or private
In the first stage correctional facilities
each facility from the Bureau of Prisons
facilities, were excluded from the
were separated into two sampling
central list, using a random start and
estimated number of State prisoners.
frames: one for prisons with male
predetermined sampling interval. All
As a result, the estimated prisoner
inmates and one for prisons with
selected drug offenders were then
counts do not match those in other
female inmates. Prisons holding both
subsampled so that only a third were
BJS data series.
sexes were included on both lists.
eligible for interview. As a result,
approximately 1 in every 75 men and
The estimated prisoner counts vary
In the sampling of State facilities, the
1 in 17 women were selected for the
according to the particular data items
13 largest male prisons and 17 largest
State survey, and 1 in every 13 men
analyzed. Estimates are based on the
female prisons were selected with
and 1 in every 3 women were selected
number of prisoners who provided
certainty. The remaining 1,265 male
for the Federal survey. A total of
information on selected items. (See
facilities and 261 female facilities were
14,285 interviews were completed for
appendix table 1 for level of missing
stratified into 14 strata defined by
the State survey and 4,041 for the
data on current offense.)
census region (Northeast except New
Federal survey, for overall response
York, New York, Midwest, South except
rates of 92.5% in the State survey and
Accuracy of the estimates
Texas, Texas, West except California,
90.2% in the Federal survey.
and California). Within each stratum
The accuracy of the estimates
facilities were ordered by facility type
The interviews, about an hour in length,
presented in this report depends on
(confinement and community-based),
used computer-assisted personal inter-
two types of error: sampling and
security level (maximum, medium,
viewing (CAPI). With CAPI, computers
nonsampling. Sampling error is the
minimum, and none), and size of
provide questions for the interviewer,
variation that may occur by chance
population. A systematic sample of
including follow-up questions tailored to
because a sample rather than a
14 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Methodology
prisons was then selected within strata
preceding answers Before the inter
with probabilities proportionate to the
view, inmates were told verbally and in
The U.S. Bureau of the Census
size of each prison.
writing that participation was voluntary
conducted the 1997 Survey of Inmates
and that all information provided would
in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF)
For the sample of Federal prisons, one
be held in confidence. Participants
for the Bureau of Justice Statistics
male prison and two female prisons
were assured that the survey was
(BJS) and the 1997 Survey of Inmates
were selected with certainty. The
solely for statistical purposes and that
in Federal Correctional Facilities
remaining 112 male facilities were
no individual who participated could be
(SIFCF) for BJS and the Bureau of
classified into 5 strata defined by
identified through use of survey results.
Prisons. From June through October,
security level (high, medium, low,
1997, inmates were interviewed about
minimum, and administrative). The 20
Estimates of prisoner counts
their current offense and sentences,
remaining female facilities were strati-
criminal histories, family and personal
fied into 2 strata by security level
Based on the completed interviews,
backgrounds, gun possession and use,
(administrative and not administrative).
estimates for the entire population were
prior drug and alcohol use and treat-
Within security level, facilities were
developed using weighting factors
ment, educational programs, and other
ordered by size of population and then
derived from the original probability of
services provided while in prison.
selected with probability proportionate
selection in the sample. These factors
Similar surveys of State prison inmates
to size.
were adjusted for variable rates of
were conducted in 1974, 1979, 1986,
nonresponse across strata and
and 1991. Federal inmates were
For the State survey 280 prisons were
inmates' characteristics and offenses.
surveyed for the first time in 1991.
selected, 220 male facilities and 60
The sample for the State survey was
female facilities. Of the 280 facilities 3
adjusted to midyear custody counts for
Sample design
refused to allow interviewing and 2
June 30, 1997, from data obtained in
closed before the survey could be
the National Prisoner Statistics series
The samples for the SISCF and SIFCF
conducted. Overall, 32 male facilities
(NPS-1A). The sample from the
were taken from a universe of 1,409
and 8 female facilities were selected for
Federal facilities was weighted to the
State prisons and 127 Federal prisons
the Federal survey, and all participated.
total known sentenced custody popula-
enumerated in the 1995 Census of
tion at midyear 1997.
State and Federal Adult Correctional
In the second stage, inmates were
Facilities or opened between comple-
selected for interviewing. For State
Excluded from the estimate of Federal
tion of the census and June 30, 1996.
facilities interviewers selected the
inmates were unsentenced inmates
The sample design for both surveys
sample systematically using a random
and those prisoners under Federal
was a stratified two-stage selection;
start and a total number of interviews
jurisdiction but housed in State and
first, selecting prisons, and second,
based upon the size and sex of the
private contract facilities. Those
selecting inmates in those prisons.
facility. For the Federal facilities, a
prisoners who were under State juris-
sample of inmates was selected for
diction, yet held in local jails or private
In the first stage correctional facilities
each facility from the Bureau of Prisons
facilities, were excluded from the
were separated into two sampling
central list, using a random start and
estimated number of State prisoners.
frames: one for prisons with male
predetermined sampling interval. All
As a result, the estimated prisoner
inmates and one for prisons with
selected drug offenders were then
counts do not match those in other
female inmates. Prisons holding both
subsampled so that only a third were
BJS data series.
sexes were included on both lists.
eligible for interview. As a result,
approximately 1 in every 75 men and
The estimated prisoner counts vary
In the sampling of State facilities, the
1 in 17 women were selected for the
according to the particular data items
13 largest male prisons and 17 largest
State survey, and 1 in every 13 men
analyzed. Estimates are based on the
female prisons were selected with
and 1 in every 3 women were selected
number of prisoners who provided
certainty. The remaining 1,265 male
for the Federal survey. A total of
information on selected items. (See
facilities and 261 female facilities were
14,285 interviews were completed for
appendix table 1 for level of missing
stratified into 14 strata defined by
the State survey and 4,041 for the
data on current offense.)
census region (Northeast except New
Federal survey, for overall response
York, New York, Midwest, South except
rates of 92.5% in the State survey and
Accuracy of the estimates
Texas, Texas, West except California,
90.2% in the Federal survey.
and California). Within each stratum
The accuracy of the estimates
facilities were ordered by facility type
The interviews, about an hour in length,
presented in this report depends on
(confinement and community-based),
used computer-assisted personal inter-
two types of error: sampling and
security level (maximum, medium,
viewing (CAPI). With CAPI, computers
nonsampling. Sampling error is the
minimum, and none), and size of
provide questions for the interviewer,
variation that may occur by chance
population. A systematic sample of
including follow-up questions tailored to
because a sample rather than a
14 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
complete enumeration of the population
was conducted. Nonsampling error
Appendix table 1. Current offense of sentenced State and Federal prisoners,
can be attributed to many sources,
1991 and 1997
such as nonresponses, differences in
State
Federal
the interpretation of questions among
Type of offense
1991
1997
1991
1997
inmates, recall difficulties, and process-
Violent
46.6%
47.4%
17.3%
14.8%
ing errors. In any survey the full extent
Property
24.8
22.0
10.2
6.8
of the nonsampling error is never
Drug
21.3
20.7
57.9
62.7
Public-order
6.8
9.6
12.4
14.7
known. The sampling error, as
Other
0.4
0.2
2.2
1.1
measured by an estimated standard
Note: In 1991 current offense data were available for 99.4% of sentenced State prisoners and
error, varies by the size of the estimate
99.4% of sentenced Federal prisoners. In 1997 current offense data were available for 98.8%
of sentenced State prisoners and 98.8% of sentenced Federal prisoners.
and the size of the base population.
The offense distribution of State
property (7%) offenders had declined
Estimates of the standard errors have
prisoners in the 1997 survey was
slightly since 1991 (17% and 10%,
been calculated for the 1997 surveys.
largely unchanged from that of the
respectively), while the percentage of
(See appendix tables 2 and 3). For
1991 survey. The percentage of
drug (63%) and public-order offenders
example, the 95-percent confidence
property offenders had decreased
(15%) had risen since 1991 (58% and
interval around the percentage of State
slightly since 1991 (from 25% to 22%),
12%, respectively).
inmates who ever used drugs is
while the percentage of public-order
approximately 83.0% plus or minus
offenders had risen slightly (from 7%
For an offense distribution of the
1.96 times 0.4% (or 82.2.% to 83.8%).
to 10%). Among Federal prisoners the
complete enumeration of Federal
offense distribution displayed more
prisoners, refer to Compendium of
These standard errors may also be
change since the 1991 survey. The
Federal Justice Statistics (volumes
used to test the significance of the
percentage of violent (15%) and
1991 through 1996).
difference between two sample statis-
tics by pooling the standard errors of
Appendix table 2. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
the two sample estimates. For
State prison inmates, 1997
example, the standard error of the
difference between black and white
Base of
Estimated percentages
State prison inmates for the percent
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
reporting a binge drinking experience
5,000
2.2
3.4
4.7
6.3
7.2
7.9
10,000
1.6
2.4
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.6
would be 1.2% (or the square root of
25,000
1.0
1.5
2.1
2.8
3.2
3.5
the sum of the squared standard errors
50,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
25
for each group). The 95-percent confi-
100,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
250,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
dence interval around the difference
500,000
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
would be 1.96 times 1.2% (or 2.4%).
750,000
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
Since the difference of 21.6% (53.5%
1,000,000
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
1,059,607
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.5
minus 31.9%) is greater than 2.4%, the
difference would be considered statisti-
cally significant.
Appendix table 3. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
Federal prison inmates, 1997
The same procedure can be used to
Base of
Estimated percentages
test the significance of the difference
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
between estimates from the two
500
3.9
6.1
8.4
11.1
12.8
13.9
surveys. For example, the standard
1,000
2.8
4.3
5.9
7.9
9.0
9.8
5,000
1.2
1.9
2.6
3.5
4.0
4.4
error of the difference between Federal
15,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
2.5
and State prison inmates for the
30,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
percent reporting prior drug use would
45,000
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.3
1.5
60,000
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.3
be 1.1%. The 95-percent confidence
80,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
interval around the difference would be
89.072
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.96 times 1.1% (or 2.1%). Since the
difference of 10.1% (83.0% minus
95-percent confidence level. To test
female inmates require different
the significance of comparisons not
standard errors.
72.9%) is greater than 2.1%, the differ-
ence would be considered statistically
mentioned in this report, use percent-
significant.
ages in text or tables and numbers of
inmates. These standard errors
All comparisons discussed in this report
should be used only for tests on all
were statistically significant at the
inmates. Comparisons of male and
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 15
The Bureau of Justice Statistics
Data collection and processing were
This report and others from the
is the statistical agency of the
carried out at the Demographic
Bureau of Justice Statistics are avail-
U.S. Department of Justice.
Surveys Division, U.S. Bureau of the
able through the Internet -
Jan M. Chaiken, Ph.D., is Director.
Census, by La Terri Bynum, Elizabeth
Griffin, Marita Perez, and Laarni Verdo-
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
BJS Special Reports address a
lin under the supervision of Kathleen
specific topic in depth from one or
Creighton and Gertrude Odom and by
The data from the 1997 Surveys of
more datasets that cover many topics.
Christopher Alaura and Lawrence
Inmates in State and Federal Correc-
Altmayer under the supervision of
tional Facilities are available from the
Christopher J. Mumola wrote this
Stephen Phillips and David Watt.
National Archive of Criminal Justice
report under the supervision of Allen J.
The questionnaire was programmed
Data, maintained by the Institute for
Beck. Melvinda Pete and Doris James
Wilson provided statistical assistance:
by Ellen-Soper of the Technologies
Social Research at the University of
Tom Hester edited the report. Marilyn
Management Office under the supervi-
Michigan, 1-800-999-0960. The
Marbrook, assisted by Yvonne Boston,
sion of William Mockovak. Sample
archive may also be accessed
prepared the report for publication.
design and weighting were provided at
through the BJS Internet site. The
the Statistical Methods Division by
file number for the surveys is
Caroline Wolf Harlow developed the
Denise Lewis and Andrew Zbikowski
ICPSR 2598.
survey questionnaire and monitored
under the supervision of J. Michael
data collection, data processing, and
Roebuck and Thomas Moore. Inter-
production of weights. Christopher
views were conducted by the Field
Innes, assisted by Susan Allison,
Division and coordinated by Medell
Denise Golumbaski, Nancy Miller,
Ford III and John Godenick under the
Vicki Russell, Allyson Suski, and Ina
supervision of Richard Ning.
Winn at the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
December 1998, NCJ 172871
developed the sample of Federal
inmates and coordinated data
collection in Federal facilities.
16 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
The Bureau of Justice Statistics
Data collection and processing were
This report and others from the
is the statistical agency of the
carried out at the Demographic
Bureau of Justice Statistics are avail-
U.S. Department of Justice.
Surveys Division, U.S. Bureau of the
able through the Internet -
Jan M. Chaiken, Ph.D., is Director.
Census, by La Terri Bynum, Elizabeth
Griffin, Marita Perez, and Laarni Verdo-
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
BJS Special Reports address a
lin under the supervision of Kathleen
specific topic in depth from one or
Creighton and Gertrude Odom and by
The data from the 1997 Surveys of
more datasets that cover many topics.
Christopher Alaura and Lawrence
Inmates in State and Federal Correc-
Altmayer under the supervision of
tional Facilities are available from the
Christopher J. Mumola wrote this
Stephen Phillips and David Watt.
National Archive of Criminal Justice
report under the supervision of Allen J.
The questionnaire was programmed
Data, maintained by the Institute for
Beck. Melvinda Pete and Doris James
Wilson provided statistical assistance.
by Ellen-Soper of the Technologies
Social Research at the University of
Tom Hester edited the report. Marilyn
Management Office under the supervi-
Michigan, 1-800-999-0960. The
sion of William Mockovak. Sample
archive may also be accessed
Marbrook, assisted by Yvonne Boston,
prepared the report for publication.
design and weighting were provided at
through the BJS Internet site. The
the Statistical Methods Division by
file number for the surveys is
Denise Lewis and Andrew Zbikowski
ICPSR 2598.
Caroline Wolf Harlow developed the
survey questionnaire and monitored
under the supervision of J. Michael
data collection, data processing, and
Roebuck and Thomas Moore. Inter-
production of weights. Christopher
views were conducted by the Field
Innes, assisted by Susan Allison,
Division and coordinated by Medell
Denise Golumbaski, Nancy Miller,
Ford III and John Godenick under the
Vicki Russell, Allyson Suski, and Ina
supervision of Richard Ning.
Winn at the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
December 1998, NCJ 172871
developed the sample of Federal
inmates and coordinated data
collection in Federal facilities.
16 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Special Report
December 1998, NCJ 172871
Substance Abuse and Treatment,
State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
By Christopher J. Mumola
BJS Policy Analyst
Highlights
In the 1997 Survey of Inmates in State
Half of State inmates and a third of Federal prisoners reported committing
and Federal Correctional Facilities,
over 570,000 of the Nation's prisoners
their current offense under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(51%) reported the use of alcohol or
Percent of prisoners
In 1997 over 80% of State and
drugs while committing their offense.
Self-reports
1997
1991
over 70% of Federal prisoners
While only a fifth of State prisoners
Drug use
reported past drug use; about 1 in 6
In month before offense
were drug offenders, 83% reported
State
57%
50%
of both reported committing their
past drug use and 57% were using
Federal
45
32
current offense to obtain money
drugs in the month before their offense,
for drugs.
compared to 79% and 50%, respec-
At the time of offense
tively, in 1991. Also, 37% of State
State
33%
31%
About 40% of State and 30% of
Federal
22
17
prisoners were drinking at the time
Federal prisoners reported a prior
of their offense, up from 32% in 1991.
Alcohol use
binge drinking experience; over 40%
At the time of offense
of both had driven drunk in the past.
Among Federal prisoners the reports
State
37%
32%
of substance abuse increased more
Federal
20
11
Overall, 3 in 4 State and 4 in 5
sharply. Although the proportion of
Alcohol/drug use
Federal prisoners may be character-
Federal prisoners held for drug
At the time of offense
ized as alcohol- or drug-involved
offenses rose from 58% in 1991 to 63%
State
52%
49%
offenders.
in 1997, the percentage of all Federal
Federal
34
24
inmates who reported using drugs in
Since admission 1 in 8 State prisoners were treated for substance abuse,
the month before the offense rose
and 1 in 4 had participated in other alcohol or drug abuse programs
more dramatically from 32% to 45%.
Percent of State pris-
Over 50% of State and over 40%
A fifth of Federal prisoners reported
oners participating
of Federal prisoners had ever partici-
drinking at the time of their offense
since admission
pated in treatment or other programs
in 1997, up from a tenth in 1991.
Other
Treatment*
programsᵇ
for substance abuse; a third of State
Over 360,000 prisoners - a third of
Any treatment
12%
28%
and a quarter of Federal prisoners
had participated since their admission.
State, and about a quarter of Federal
Drug treatment
10%
20%
prisoners - said they had participated
Ever used
12
24
in drug or alcohol treatment or other
In month before offense
15
28
Among both State and Federal
Used at time of offense
18
32
prisoners who had used drugs in the
substance abuse programs since
admission. Reported levels of drug
Alcohol treatment
8%
21%
month before the offense, about 1 in 7
treatment since admission were lower
Binge drinkers
14
31
had been treated for drug abuse since
Alcohol dependent
18
38
admission; nearly a third had enrolled
for both State (10%) and Federal (9%)
Used at time of offense
14
34
in other drug abuse programs.
prisoners than those reported in 1991
"Includes residential facilities, professional
(25% and 16%, respectively). Over the
counseling, detoxification units, and mainte-
Since admission 14% of both State
same period, participation in other drug
nance drug programs.
and Federal prisoners drinking at the
abuse programs increased for both
PIncludes self-help/peer counseling groups,
time of offense had been treated for
State (from 16% to 20%) and Federal
as well as educational or awareness programs.
alcohol abuse; a third had enrolled in
prisoners (from 10% to 20%).
other alcohol abuse programs.
Drug offenders accounted for over 250,000 prisoners; 21% of State,
Half of all prisoners were under the
over 60% of Federal prisoners in 1997
influence of alcohol or drugs at the
time of their offense
Percent of drug
Since the last surveys in 1991, the
offenders
number of drug offenders in State
State
Federal
An estimated 51% of all prisoners (52%
Type of drug offense
and Federal prisons has grown by
of State and 34% of Federal) said they
Possession
27.1%
5.3%
nearly 90,000, or an average annual
were under the influence of alcohol or
Trafficking*
70.1
85.8
growth rate of 6.4%. However, the
Other
2.8
8.9
drugs while they committed their
number of inmates incarcerated for
current offense (table 1). Among State
Status at arrest
nondrug offenses has grown at virtu-
prisoners the incidence of alcohol or
None
46.2%
75.9%
ally the same rate over that period
Status
53.8
24.1
drug use at the time of offense showed
On paroleᵇ
27.4
10.2
(6.3%). As a result, drug offenders
little variation by offense type, ranging
On probation
25.9
13.8
make up the same proportion of the
from 52% of violent offenders to 56% of
Escaped from custody
0.5
0.2
prison population as in 1991, despite
public-order offenders. Among specific
Criminal history
their substantial numerical growth.
offense types only weapons (42%),
None
17.4%
40.6%
fraud (43%), and sexual assault (45%)
Priors
82.6
59.4
In 1997 drug offenders in State prison
Violent recidivists
23.6
12.1
offenders had a minority reporting the
reported extensive criminal histories:
Drug recidivists only
14.1
15.9
influence of alcohol or drugs at the time
Other recidivists
44.9
31.4
of their offense.
54% were on probation, parole,
Number of prior probation/
or escape at the time of their arrest.
incarceration sentences
83% had a prior sentence to incar-
Among Federal prisoners the reported
0
17.4%
40.6%
1
20.2
19.5
ceration or probation; 45% had three
use of alcohol or drugs at the time of
2
17.5
15.5
or more prior sentences.
offense showed greater variation by
3-5
27.2
18.2
24% had a prior violent offense;
offense type. Violent offenders (40%)
6-10
11.5
5.0
32% reported that all sentences had
reported the highest levels, followed
11 or more
6.3
1.2
been for drug offenses.
by drug (35%), public-order (30%),
Type of drug involved
and property (23%) offenders. Among
in current offense
Drug offenders in Federal prisons
specific offense types only murder
Marijuana/hashish
12.9%
18.9%
reported less severe criminal histories
Cocaine/crack
72.1
65.5
(52%) and assault (51%) offenders had
12.8
than those in State prisons:
Heroin/other opiates
9.9
a majority reporting the use of alcohol
Depressants
1.2
0.6
or drugs at the time of their current
Stimulants
9.9
11.0
24% were on probation, parole,
Hallucinogens
1.1
1.7
or escape at the time of arrest.
offense. Fraud (15%) and sexual
59% had a prior sentence; 24%
assault (32%) offenders were among
"Includes those reporting an intent to distribute.
had three or more prior sentences.
the Federal prisoners least likely to
blncludes supervised release.
includes recidivists with unknown offense
12% had a prior violent offense;
have committed their current offense
types.
57% had been sentenced solely
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
More than one type of drug may have been
for drug offenses.
involved in the current offense.
Assault, murder, and sexual assault
most closely tied to alcohol use at
the time of offense
Number of prisoners serving
a sentence for a drug of fense
1997 custody
300,000
population
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
277,859
prisoners reported the influence of
Total
alcohol at the time of offense. Among
State prisoners about two-fifths of
222,100
public-order and violent offenders were
200,000
State
drinking at the time of offense, followed
by a third of property and a quarter of
drug offenders. Among Federal prison-
ers reported use of alcohol at the time
100,000
of offense varied less by offense type,
ranging from 16% of property offenders
55,759
to 25% of violent offenders. For both
Federal
State and Federal prisoners, the
specific offenses most closely related
0
1980
1986
1991
1997
to alcohol use at the time of offense
were violent ones - assault, murder,
manslaughter, and sexual assault.
2 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Table 1. Alcohol or drug use at time of offense of State and Federal prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Percent of prisoners who reported being under the influence at time of offense
Estimated number of prisoners*
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Type of offense
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Total
1,046,705
88,018
37.2%
20.4%
32.6%
22.4%
52.5%
34.0%
Violent offenses
494,349
13,021
41.7%
24.5%
29.0%
24.5%
51.9%
39.8%
Murder
122,435
1,288
44.6
38.7
26.8
29.4
52.4
52.4
Negligent manslaughter
16,592
53
52.0
17.4
56.0
Sexual assault
89,328
713
40.0
32.3
21.5
7.9
45.2
32.3
Robbery
148,001
8,770
37.4
18.0
39.9
27.8
55.6
37.6
Assault
97,897
1,151
45.1
46.0
24.2
13.8
51.8
50.5
Other violent
20,096
1,046
39.6
32.2
29.0
15.9
48.2
37.2
Property offenses
230,177
5,964
34.5%
15.6%
36.6%
10.8%
53.2%
22.6%
Burglary
111,884
294
37.2
38.4
55.7
Larceny/theft
43,936
414
33.7
38.4
54.2
Motor vehicle theft
19,279
216
32.2
39.0
51.2
Fraud
28,102
4,283
25.2
10.4
30.5
6.5
42.8
14.5
Other property
26,976
757
36.0
22.8
30.6
16.4
53.2
34.6
Drug offenses
216,254
55,069
27.4%
19.8%
41.9%
25.0%
52.4%
34.6%
Possession
92,373
10,094
29.6
21.3
42.6
25.1
53.9
36.0
Trafficking
117,926
40,053
25.5
19.4
41.0
25.9
50.9
35.0
Other drug
5,955
4,922
29.9
19.7
47.1
17.1
59.2
29.0
Public-order offenses
103,344
13,026
43.2%
20.6%
23.1%
15.6%
56.2%
30.2%
Weapons
25,642
6,025
28.3
23.0
22.4
24.4
41.8
37.1
Other public-order
77,702
7,001
48.1
18.5
23.3
8.1
60.9
24.1
Too few cases in the sample to permit calculation.
ᵇIncludes rape and other sexual assault.
"Based on cases with valid offense data. See Methodology
for differences from other BJS prisoner counts.
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
most closely tied to drug influence,
drug use during the offense than State
prisoners said they used drugs at
while manslaughter (17%) and sexual
prisoners (42% and 37%, respectively).
the time of offense
assault (22%) offenders were the least
Murder (29%) and robbery (28%)
likely to report drug use during the
offenders were the Federal prisoners
A third of State prisoners said they had
offense.
most likely to report drug influence.
committed their current offense while
under the influence of drugs. Drug
About 1 in 5 Federal prisoners commit-
Prior drug use by State prisoners
(42%) and property offenders (37%)
ted their offense under the influence of
remained stable since 1991, except
reported the highest incidence of drug
drugs. Among violent offenders
for marijuana use
use at the time of offense, followed by
Federal prisoners (25%) were nearly as
violent (29%) and public-order offend-
likely as State prisoners (29%) to report
Over 80% of State prisoners said they
ers (23%). Among specific offenses
drug influence. However, Federal drug
had used drugs at some time in the
drug possession (43%) and trafficking
(25%) and property offenders (11%)
past; a slight increase since 1991
(41%) and robbery (40%) were the
reported a much lower incidence of
(table 2). Marijuana (77%) and
Table 2. Drug use of State prisoners, 1991 and 1997
Percent of State prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly*
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugb
83.0%
79.4%
69.6%
62.2%
56.5%
49.9%
32.6%
31.0%
Marijuana/hashish
77.0
73.8
58.3
51.9
39.2
32.2
15.1
11.4
Cocaine/crack
49.2
49.4
33.6
31.9
25.0
25.2
14.8
14.5
Heroin/opiates
24.5
25.2
15.0
15.3
9.2
9.6
5.6
5.8
Depressantsᶜ
23.7
24.0
11.3
10.8
5.1
3.8
1.8
1.0
Stimulants
28.3
29.7
16.3
16.6
9.0
7.4
4.2
2.9
Hallucinogens®
28.7
26.9
11.3
11.5
4.0
3.7
1.8
1.6
Inhalants
14.4
:
5.4
:
1.0
:
:
-
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
Other unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
°Includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
--Not reported.
"Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
"Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
*Includes LSD and PCP.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 3
Table-3.- Drug-use of Federal prisoners; 1991 and 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugb
72.9%
60.1%
57.3%
42.1%
44.8%
31.8%
22.4%
16.8%
Marijuana/hashish
65.2
52.8
46.6
32.2
30.4
19.2
10.8
5.9
Cocaine/crack
44.8
37.3
28.2
20.6
20.0
15.4
9.3
7.7
Heroin/opiates
16.1
14.1
8.9
9.3
5.4
5.5
3.0
3.7
Depressants
16.5
13.1
8.0
5.3
3.2
1.4
1.0
0.3
Stimulants
20.9
16.8
12.9
8.3
7.6
3.9
4.1
1.8
Hallucinogens*
19.0
14.8
6.4
4.8
1.7
1.2
0.8
0.5
Inhalants
7.7
--
2.6
--
0.5
-
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
ᵇOther unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
--Not reported.
dIncludes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
"Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
*Includes LSD and PCP.
cocaine-based drugs, including crack
Nearly three-quarters of Federal
Over 40% of Federal prisoners
(49%), were the most commonly used
prisoners had used drugs in the
used drugs in the month before the
drugs, followed by hallucinogens
past - up from 60% in 1991
offense; 20% used cocaine or crack
(29%), stimulants (28%), opiates,
including heroin, and depressants (both
In 1991, 60% of Federal prisoners
In the month before their current
24%). In addition, about 1 in 7 State
reported prior drug use, compared to
offense, 45% of Federal prisoners had
prisoners reported using inhalants in
79% of State prisoners (table 3). In
used drugs, an increase from the 32%
the past.
1997 this gap in prior drug use was
reported in 1991. The use of marijuana
narrowed, as the percentage of Federal
led this trend (up from 19% to 30%),
Fifty-seven percent of State prisoners
inmates reporting past drug use rose
while use of cocaine-based drugs
said they had used drugs in the month
to 73%, compared to 83% of State
showed a smaller increase (from 15%
before their current offense, up from
inmates. This increase was mostly
to 20%). Although the percentage of
50% in 1991. The use of marijuana
due to a rise in the percentage of
Federal prisoners using stimulants
in the month before the offense (39%)
Federal prisoners reporting prior use
grew slightly from 4% to 8%, fewer than
had increased since 1991 (32%), while
of marijuana (from 53% in 1991 to
10% of Federal inmates used any type
the use of other drugs remained largely
65%) and cocaine-based drugs (from
of drug besides marijuana and
unchanged. A quarter of State prison-
37% to 45%).
cocaine/crack in the month before
ers reported using cocaine-based
the offense.
drugs in the month before the offense.
Most other drug types showed modest
Opiates, including heroin, and stimu-
increases over this period. A fifth of
The percentage of Federal prisoners
lants (both 9%) were the only other
Federal prisoners had used stimulants
reporting the use of drugs at the time
types of drugs used by more than 5%
and hallucinogens, followed by depres-
of their offense grew from 17% to 22%
of State prisoners in the month before
sants and opiates, including heroin
since 1991. The percentage of Federal
the offense.
(both 16%). About 1 in 12 Federal
inmates using marijuana while commit-
prisoners reported the prior use of
ting their offense grew from 6% to 11%
A third of State prisoners had used
inhalants.
over this period, while the percentage
drugs at the time of offense, which was
using cocaine or crack was relatively
almost unchanged since 1991. The
The percentage of Federal inmates
unchanged at 9%. Fewer than 5% of
percentage of State prisoners reporting
reporting past regular drug use -
Federal inmates had used any other
marijuana use at the time of the offense
using at least once a week for a month
type of drug at the time of the offense.
grew slightly from 11% to 15%, while
or longer - also rose, from 42% to
the use of other types of drugs
57% since 1991. Past regular users
Despite these increases in past drug
remained the same since 1991.
of marijuana grew from a third to nearly
use among Federal prisoners, as well
Although many more State prisoners
half of the Federal prison population,
as their much higher percentage of
had used marijuana (77%) than
while a quarter had used cocaine-
drug offenders (see box, page 2),
cocaine-based drugs (49%) in the past,
based drugs regularly. Stimulants,
higher percentages of State prisoners
an equal percentage (15%) of State
such as methamphetamine, had been
still reported past drug use on all
inmates had used these drugs at the
used regularly by 13% of Federal
measures and for each type of drug.
time of the offense.
prisoners, up from 8% in 1991.
4 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Nearly 1 in 5 State prisoners said
Past experiences of alcohol abuse, by number of positive
they committed their offense to get
CAGE responses of State prisoners, 1997
money for drugs
Percent of State prisoners reporting past experience,
by the number of positive CAGE responses
Nineteen percent of State prisoners,
0
1
2
3
4
and 16% of Federal inmates said that
Under the influence of alcohol
they committed their current offense to
at the time of the offense
15.4%
46.7%
59.0%
65.9%
75.6%
obtain money for drugs. These
Ever had a binge
percentages represent a slight increase
drinking experience*
14.1
55.4
65.8
77.3
88.1
from 1991, when 17% of State and
10% of Federal prisoners identified
Ever gotten into physical fights
because of drinking
13.2
50.6
63.0
71.7
82.6
drug money as a motive for their
current offense.
Estimated number of State prisoners 573,473
118,628
111,759
128,065
127,681
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed as much as a fifth of liquor in a single day, equiva-
Percent of prisoners who
lent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or as many as 3 six-packs of beer.
reported committing their
offense to obtain money
for drugs
The CAGE questionnaire is a diagnos-
indicators of prior alcohol abuse from
1997
1991
tic instrument for detecting a person's
the Survey of Inmates in State Correc-
State prisoners
19%
17%
history of alcohol abuse or depend-
tional Facilities (table above). While
Federal prisoners
16
10
ence. CAGE is an acronym for the
14% of those State inmates with no
four questions used by the instrument
positive CAGE responses reported
Responses from a quarter of State, a
- attempts to (C)ut back on drinking,
a past "binge drinking" episode, the
sixth of Federal prisoners indicated
(A)nnoyance at others' criticism of
same was true of 88% of those with
past alcohol abuse or dependence
one's drinking, feelings of (G)uilt about
four CAGE replies. Likewise, 15%
drinking, and needing a drink first thing
of those with zero positive CAGE
According to the CAGE diagnostic
in the morning as an (E)ye opener to
responses had committed their offense
instrument (see box), 24% of State
steady the nerves. The CAGE instru-
while under the influence of alcohol,
prisoners reported experiences that
ment determines a person's likelihood
compared to 76% of those with four
are consistent with a history of alcohol
of alcohol abuse by the number of
positive replies. In this report, only
abuse or dependence (table 4). The
positive responses to these questions.
those prisoners with three or more
incidence of alcohol abuse among
positive responses are categorized
State prisoners varied somewhat by
In a clinical test involving hospital
as alcohol abusive or dependent.
offense type. Almost 33% of public-
admissions, three or more positive
order offenders provided three or more
CAGE responses carried a .99 predic-
*Data on the predictive values of the CAGE
instrument are taken from the article "Screening
positive CAGE responses, followed by
tive value for alcohol abuse or
for Alcohol Abuse Using the CAGE Question-
property (27%), violent (24%), and drug
dependence.* In addition, there is a
naire" by B. Bush and others, The American
offenders (19%). Drug offenders were
strong relationship of positive CAGE
Journal of Medicine, Vol. 82, February 1987,
also the least likely to report at least
responses to other self-reported
pp. 231-35.
one positive CAGE response (41%),
while public-order offenders (56%)
were the most likely.
Table 4. Number of positive CAGE responses for State and Federal
prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Federal prisoners were less likely than
State inmates to report past alcohol
Percent of prisoners, by the number
Estimated
of positive CAGE responses
abuse or dependence. Overall, 16%
Type of
number of
1 or
2 or
3 or
of Federal prisoners provided three or
offense
prisoners
more
more
more
4
more positive CAGE replies, with little
All State prisoners
1,046,705
46.3%
35.1%
24.4%
12.2%
variation across affense types. Violent
(19%) and public-order (17%) offenders
Violent
494,349
46.5%
35.4%
24.2%
11.7%
Property
230,177
47.9
37.6
27.3
14.7
were about as likely as drug (16%) and
Drug
216,254
40.9
28.1
19.1
9.0
property (15%) offenders to indicate a
Public-order
103,344
55.6
43.4
31.0
16.1
history of alcohol abuse. Federal
All Federal prisoners
88,018
34.9%
24.8%
16.3%
7.3%
prisoners were also less likely to have
provided at least one positive CAGE
Violent
13,021
40.5%
27.8%
18.8%
9.4%
response (35%) than State prisoners
Property
5,964
30.4
21.2
15.0
6.6
Drug
55,069
33.5
23.8
15.6
6.5
(46%).
Public-order
13,026
36.9
26.7
17.1
8.7
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 5
Table 5. Experiences white under the influence of alcohol or drugs reported by State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Past experiences
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Have you ever driven a car or any other vehicle
while under the influence of alcohol drugs?
46.8%
43.1%
53.1%
45.8%
64.3%
58.6%
Have you ever had arguments with your
spouse, family, or friends while or right after
drinking using drugs?
40.2
28.8
41.9
29.7
56.0
41.2
Have you ever lost a job because of your
drinking using drugs?
10.3
5.0
15.3
8.2
20.0
10.7
Have you ever had job or school trouble
because of your drinking using drugs
(such as demotion at work or dropping
out of school)?
15.6
7.8
22.3
12.0
28.0
15.5
Have you ever been arrested or held at
a police station because of your drinking
using drugs?
29.5
19.2
29.0
18.1
44.6
30.3
Have you ever gotten into a physical fight while
or right after drinking using drugs?
38.3
22.8
32.5
17.1
48.5
28.3
Have you ever had as much as a fifth of liquor
in 1 day (20 drinks, 3 six-packs of beer,
or 3 bottles of wine)?
41.0
30.3
--
--
-
-
Have you ever used a needle to inject any
drugs for nonmedical reasons?
--
--
20.0
12.3
-
--
--Not applicable.
Over 60% of all prisoners had driven
A slightly lower percentage of Federal
Prisoners were as likely to
while under the influence of alcohol
prisoners reported these experiences.
experience problems with
or drugs
As with State prisoners the most
alcohol as with drugs
commonly reported behavior was
Substantial percentages of both State
driving under the influence of alcohol
Breaking these behaviors down
and Federal prisoners reported having
or drugs (59%). Two-fifths of Federal
separately into alcohol- or drug-related
engaged in dangerous and troubled
prisoners had been involved in alcohol-
experiences yielded few substantial
behaviors associated with past alcohol
or drug-related domestic disputes, and
differences. For example, the percent-
and drug abuse. Among State prison-
nearly a third of Federal prisoners
age of State prisoners who had domes-
ers nearly two-thirds said they had
reported a prior arrest involving their
tic disputes (40%) or prior arrests
previously driven while under the influ-
alcohol or drug abuse. A tenth of
(29%) related to alcohol abuse
ence of alcohol or drugs (table 5). Half
Federal prisoners had lost their job due
matched those reporting such experi-
of State prisoners had also experi-
to alcohol or drug abuse, compared to
ences related to drug use (42% and
enced alcohol- or drug-related domes-
a fifth of State prisoners.
30%, respectively). Among Federal
tic disputes (56%) or had been involved
prisoners similar percentages reported
in physical fights related to their alcohol
Two-fifths of State prisoners reported a
driving under the influence of alcohol
or drug use (49%). Over 40% had
prior "binge drinking" experience -
(43%) and drugs (46%) and getting
been arrested at some time as a result
consuming the equivalent of a fifth of
into alcohol- (29%) and drug-related
of their alcohol or drug use, and over
liquor in a single day. In addition, 1 in 5
(30%) domestic disputes.
25% had experienced trouble at work
State prisoners said they had used
or school.
intravenous drugs in the past. Fewer
Federal inmates reported both "binge
drinking" (30%) and prior intravenous
drug use (12%).
6 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Female State prisoners reported
Prisoners age 44 and younger report
Over 80% of State prisoners under
higher levels of past drug use; levels
more prior drug abuse than older
45 reported some prior drug use,
higher for male Federal prisoners
prisoners
compared to 63% of those 45 or older.
A third of State prisoners under 45 said
Women in State prisons (62%) were
Prisoners in age categories below 45
they committed their offense while on
more likely than men (56%) to have
(87% of State, 76% of Federal prison-
drugs, compared to a fifth of those 45
used drugs in the month before the
ers) reported similar levels of prior drug
or older. Likewise, in Federal prisons
offense (table 6). Women were also
use, and their incidence of drug use
49% of prisoners under 45 had used
more likely to have committed their
was consistently higher than that of
drugs in the month before their offense,
offense while under the influence of
older prisoners.
compared to 32% of older prisoners.
drugs (40%, compared to 32%).
However, nearly equal percentages
Table 6. Levels of prior drug abuse, by selected characteristics
of men and women in State prisons
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
reported using drugs in the past.
Percent of prisoners reporting use of drugs -
Among Federal prisoners higher
Estimated
In the
number of
Ever in
Used
month prior
At the time
percentages of men reported past
Characteristic
prisoners*
the past
regularly
to offense
of offense
drug use (74%, compared to 63%
All State prisoners
1,059,607
83.0%
69.6%
56.5%
32.6%
of women) as well as drug use in the
month before the offense (45%,
Sex
compared to 37%). At the time of
Male
993,365
82.9%
69.3%
56.1%
32.1%
offense, about equal percentages
Female
66,242
84.0
73.6
62.4
40.4
of men (23%) and women (19%) in
Race/Hispanic origin
Federal prisons reported the influence
White non-Hispanic
352,864
83.6%
70.5%
55.2%
33.9%
of drugs during their offense.
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
83.7
70.5
58.3
31.9
Hispanic
179,998
80.7
65.6
55.0
33.0
Other
34,069
79.0
66.7
52.7
27.8
Prior drug use of State prisoners
varies little by race; Hispanics report
Age
lowest levels in Federal prisons
24 or younger
209,343
84.1%
71.1%
63.2%
33.3%
25-34
404,034
86.4
72.9
60.0
35.0
35-44
311,999
86.3
73.4
56.5
34.5
Among State prisoners prior drug use
45-54
103,470
70.5
55.2
40.4
22.7
patterns varied little across racial or
55 or older
30,761
39.0
24.3
18.4
9.7
ethnic groups. Similar percentages of
non-Hispanic whites and blacks (84%
All Federal prisoners
89,072
72.9%
57.3%
44.8%
22.4%
of each) and Hispanics (81%) reported
using drugs in the past. Slightly over
Sex
Male
82,646
73.7%
58.1%
45.4%
22.7%
half of each group had used drugs in
Female
6,426
62.8
47.2
36.7
19.3
the month before the offense, and
about a third of each said they had
Race/Hispanic origin
used drugs at the time of offense.
White non-Hispanic
26,616
77.2%
63.5%
49.4%
28.6%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
77.5
61.9
47.2
22.2
Hispanic
24,349
63.5
45.5
37.5
16.9
In Federal prisons fewer Hispanics
Other
4,411
64.2
50.0
38.5
18.1
reported drug use on all measures.
Less than half of Hispanic Federal
Age
24 or younger
7,933
80.4%
65.4%
57.2%
28.1%
prisoners had used drugs regularly,
25-34
32,634
76.0
60.6
48.5
23.0
and about a third used drugs in the
35-44
27,259
77.2
60.6
46.8
24.7
month before the offense. Nearly equal
45-54
14,501
67.6
52.5
35.2
18.8
55 or older
6,746
43.6
28.6
24.3
11.8
percentages of non-Hispanic whites
"Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
and blacks reported past drug use
Regular use is defined as once a week or more for at least a month.
(77% of whites, 78% of blacks), regular
drug use (63% and 62%), and drug use
in the month before the offense (49%
and 47%).
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 7
Alcohol abuse more prevalent
Non-Hispanic whites consistently.
Prisoners' reports of alcohol abuse
among whites, male prisoners
reported the highest levels of alcohol
were not related to age. Among those
abuse among State inmates. A major-
State prisoners in the age groups
Prior alcohol abuse was more prevalent
ity of whites reported a prior binge
between 25 and 54, similar percent-
among male prisoners (table 7). Male
drinking experience, and a third met the
ages reported all three measures of
State prisoners were more likely to
CAGE criteria for alcohol dependence.
prior alcohol abuse.
have been drinking at the time of the
Among Hispanic State inmates 40%
offense (38%) or to report past binge
reported a prior binge drinking experi-
Among Federal prisoners, between
drinking (42%) than women (about 29%
ence, and 22% met the CAGE criteria
12% and 20% of all age groups met the
for both). However, about a quarter of
for alcohol dependence, higher than
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence,
both men and women fit the CAGE
blacks on both measures (32% and
and those reporting alcohol influence
profile of alcohol dependence.
19%, respectively).
at time of offense ranged from 13%
to 22% of various age groups.
Among Federal inmates men were also
Prior alcohol abuse varied little by race
more likely than women to report each
among Federal prisoners. White
Three-quarters of all prisoners
measure of alcohol abuse. More male
Federal inmates reported the highest
can be characterized as alcohol-
Federal inmates committed their
incidence of prior binge drinking (38%),
or drug-involved offenders
offense while drinking (21%) and were
but were not significantly higher than
past "binge drinkers" (31%) than
black or Hispanic inmates on other
About three-quarters of all prisoners
women (15% and 19%, respectively).
alcohol abuse measures.
reported some type of involvement
with alcohol or drug abuse in the time
Table 7. Levels of prior alcohol abuse, by selected characteristics
leading up to their current offense.
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Among State prisoners the largest
groups of alcohol- or drug-involved
Percent of prisoners reporting prior alcohol abuse
Estimated
Under the influence
inmates were those who used drugs
Ever had a
3 or more
number of
"binge drinking"
of alcohol at the
positive CAGE
in the month before the offense (57%)
Characteristic
prisoners*
experience
time of offense
responses
and those under the influence of
All State prisoners
1,059,607
41.0%
37.2%
24.4%
alcohol or drugs while committing their
offense (52%). Among Federal prison-
Sex
Male
993,365
41.8%
37.7%
24.5%
ers conviction for a drug offense (63%)
Female
66,242
29.9
29.1
23.4
made up the largest component of
alcohol or drug involvement. Fewer
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
352,864
53.5%
42.7%
33.5%
Federal than State prisoners abused
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
31.9
33.0
18.6
drugs in the month before the offense
Hispanic
179,998
39.9
36.7
22.0
(45%), or used alcohol or drugs at the
Other
34,069
49.6
41.7
27.7
time of offense (34%).
Age
Percent of prisoners
24 or younger
209,343
40.2%
30.7%
15.8%
State
Federal
25-34
404,034
42.3
37.7
24.8
35-44
311,999
41.3
28.6
Current drug offense
20.7%
62.6%
42.3
Current DWI offense
1.6
I
45-54
103,470
37.4
37.7
28.5
55 or older
30,761
29.3
30.2
22.5
Alcohol/drug influence
at time of offense
52.5
34.0
All Federal prisoners
89,072
30.3%
20.4%
16.2%
Drug use in the month
prior to offense
56.5
44.8
Sex
3 or more positive
Male
82,646
31.2%
20.9%
16.6%
CAGE responses
24.4
16.2
Female
6,426
18.8
15.1
11.6
Alcohol- or drug-
Race/Hispanic origin
involved prisoners
76.2%
82.1%
White non-Hispanic
26,616
38.3%
22.1%
19.3%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
25.0
21.1
12.5
Many drug offenders reported that they
Hispanic
24,349
28.2
16.8
17.8
were not using drugs regularly in the
Other
4,411
34.9
26.0
17.6
month before their offense. If such
Age
drug offenders were excluded from this
24 or younger
7,933
31.8%
18.4%
12.0%
category, the percentage of alcohol- or
25-34
32,634
32.1
22.5
15.3
drug-involved State inmates drops
35-44
27,259
30.8
20.5
17.2
45-54
14,501
29.1
20.2
19.7
slightly to 69%. However, with this
55 or older
6,746
20.8
13.4
14.5
restriction the percentage of Federal
*Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
prisoners who were alcohol- or drug-
involved declines sharply to 52%.
8 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
A third of State, a quarter of Federal
Among Federal prisoners 1 in 4 said
Participation in substance abuse treat-
prisoners said they had ever been
they had ever been in alcohol or drug
ment since admission also varied by
treated for substance abuse
treatment, and 1 in 10 had been treated
the amount of time remaining until
since their admission to prison. In
expected release. Among those
A third of State prisoners reported past
addition, a third of Federal prisoners
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
participation in alcohol or drug abuse
reported participation in other alcohol
serving their final 6 months, a higher
treatment, such as time spent in a
or drug programs, and a fifth had taken
percentage said they had been treated
residential facility, professional
part in such programs since admission.
since admission (19% of State, 20% of
counseling, detoxification, or use of a
Federal) than those with over a year
maintenance drug (table 8). About
Treatment tied to past use, time
until release (13% of State, 10% of
1 in 8 State prisoners had participated
remaining until expected release
Federal). Participation in other abuse
in these types of alcohol or drug treat-
programs was also highest for those
ment since their admission to prison.
Participation in treatment programs
alcohol- or drug-involved offenders
rose among those prisoners involved
serving their final 6 months in prison.
Two-fifths of State prisoners also
with alcohol or drugs at the time of their
Percent of alcohol-
reported past participation in other
offense. Among alcohol- or drug-
or drug-involved
alcohol or drug abuse programs, such
involved State prisoners, 41% reported
prisoners participating
as self-help groups, peer counseling,
since admission
past treatment, including 15% who had
Time to
Other
and education/awareness programs.
been treated since admission. Among
expected release
Treatment
programs
A quarter of State prisoners had taken
Federal prisoners who had committed
State prisoners
part in such programs since their
their offense under the influence of
Less than 6 months
18.6%
34.0%
admission. Overall, a majority (56%) of
alcohol or drugs, 41% reported past
6-12 months
16.3
32.4
Greater than 1 year
12.6
State prisoners had taken part in either
31.0
treatment and 17% had been treated
substance abuse treatment or other
since admission. About two-thirds of all
Federal prisoners
alcohol and drug programs in the past,
prisoners who committed their offense
Less than 6 months
20.5%
36.9%
and a third had enrolled in either since
6-12 months
12.5
under the influence had ever been in
28.4
Greater than 1 year
10.0
24.2
their admission to prison.
treatment or other abuse programs.
Table 8. Substance abuse treatment history of State and Federal prisoners, by reported prior substance abuse, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol- or drug-involved
Under the influence of alcohol
Total
prisoners
or drugs at the time of offense
Type of treatment
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Ever in any treatment or programs
56.4%
46.4%
64.8%
51.4%
69.3%
66.1%
Any treatment
34.5
24.6
41.5
27.7
46.3
40.6%
Other alcohol/drug programs
43.1
35.4
49.4
39.2
52.5
50.8
Participated while under
correctional supervision
47.8%
39.2%
55.2%
43.5%
59.2%
55.8%
Any treatment
26.2
18.9
31.7
21.3
35.5
30.4
In prison/jail
19.7
15.0
23.9
16.9
27.0
24.6
On probation/parole
15.0
8.4
18.3
9.6
20.6
14.6
Other alcohol/drug programs
37.5
30.9
43.2
34.4
46.2
44.9
In prison/jail
33.3
27.4
38.3
30.5
41.0
40.6
On probation/parole
17.2
10.1
20.5
11.4
22.6
16.1
Participated since admission
32.5%
28.2%
37.7%
31.6%
41.1%
42.7%
Any treatment
12.0
10.4
14.6
11.7
16.7
17.4
Residential facility or unit
6.9
7.3
8.5
8.2
10.1
12.4
Counseling by a professional
5.1
3.8
6.2
4.3
6.9
6.3
Detoxification unit
0.8
0.2
1.0
0.2
1.3
0.3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.2
Other alcohol/drug programs
27.5
23.1
31.9
26.0
34.6
35.2
Self-help group/peer counseling
22.7
11.2
26.7
12.8
29.3
20.5
Education program
12.6
16.8
14.8
18.8
16.2
24.2
Estimated number of prisoners
1,047,933
87,839
806,758
73,103
543,869
29,468
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners may have participated
in more than one type of treatment program.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 9
Table 9. Drug treatment of: State and Federal prisoners since admission, by levels of prior drug use, 199T and 1997
Percent of prisoners reporting participation
Estimated
Other drug abuse
number of
Drug treatment since admission
program since admission
prisoners, 1997
State
Federal
State
Federal
Level of prior drug use
State
Federal
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
All prisoners
1,048,752
87,720
9.7%
24.5%
9.2%
15.7%
20.3%
15.5%
20.0%
10.1%
Prisoners who used drugs
Ever
870,558
63,979
11.5%
31.1%
12.4%
26.3%
24.0%
19.6%
26.0%
16.9%
Regularly*
729,578
50,244
13.1
33.9
14.5
30.9
26.4
22.2
29.6
20.1
In the month before offense
592,611
39,275
14.6
36.5
15.4
33.7
28.3
23.7
31.7
22.0
At the time of offense
338,481
19,507
18.0
41.0
18.9
39.4
32.2
27.2
38.0
25.4
*Regular use is defined as once a week for at least a month.
Prisoners' participation in drug
Among both State and Federal prison-
1 in 4 prisoners participated in either
treatment dropped since 1991;
ers, enrollment in other drug abuse
drug treatment or other drug abuse
other drug programs grew
programs, such as self-help or peer
programs since admission
groups and drug education classes,
In both State and Federal prisons, the
had gone up over this period. In 1997
In both State and Federal prisons,
percentage of inmates who reported
20% of both State and Federal prison-
about a quarter of all prisoners had
being treated for drug abuse since their
ers reported participation in drug abuse
participated in either drug treatment or
admission dropped since 1991 (table
programs during their current prison
other drug abuse programs since
9). In 1997, 1 in 10 State prisoners
term, up from 16% of State and 10%
admission (table 10). Among specific
reported being treated for drug abuse
of Federal prisoners in 1991. Among
types of programs, more State prison-
since admission; a decrease from the 1
those prisoners who used drugs at the
ers participated in self-help or peer
in 4 prisoners reporting such treatment
time of offense, participation in these
groups (16%) and drug abuse educa-
in 1991. There was also a drop in the
programs had risen to 32% of State
tion classes (10%) than in residential
percentage of Federal prisoners (9%)
and 38% of Federal prisoners in 1997,
treatment (6%) and professional drug
reporting treatment since admission
compared to about 25% of each
abuse counseling (4%).
(16% in 1991).
in 1991.
Compared to State prisoners' reported
Since 1991 fewer prisoners with a drug
These data represent an underestimate
activities, participation in self-help or
abuse history reported drug treatment
of the total number of prisoners who
peer groups was lower among Federal
since admission. Among those prison-
will ultimately receive drug treatment
inmates (9%), while enrollment in drug
ers who had been using drugs in the
during their current prison term. At any
abuse education (15%) was higher
month before the offense, 15% of both
one time the prison population repre-
(table 11). However, Federal prisoners'
State and Federal inmates said they
sents a broad range of inmates, from
participation in either of these programs
had received drug abuse treatment
newly admitted prisoners to those who
still outpaced that of residential treat-
during their current prison term, down
have served as much as a decade or
ment (6%) and professional counseling
from a third of such offenders in 1991.
more in prison. The likelihood of
(3%) programs.
Among those who were using drugs at
receiving substance abuse treatment
the time of offense, about 18% of both
increases as a prisoner's expected
State and Federal prisoners reported
release date approaches (text table,
participation in drug treatment since
page 9). Some of the inmates who did
admission, compared to about 40% in
not report drug abuse treatment since
1991.
admission will receive treatment before
the completion of their prison term.
10 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Among prisoners with past drug
Among those State inmates using
their offense under the influence of
abuse, treatment provided less
drugs at the time of the offense, 18%
drugs, 19% had been treated since
commonly than other programs
had been in drug treatment since
admission, including 14% who had
admission, while 32% had enrolled
been in a residential drug treatment
While drug treatment since admission
in a drug abuse program or group.
program.
was more prevalent among those
Overall, about 40% of these State
prisoners with drug abuse histories,
prisoners had participated in either
As was the case in State prisons, more
more of these inmates had been in
drug treatment or another drug abuse
drug-abusing Federal offenders partici-
other abuse programs. Of those State
program since admission.
pated in other drug abuse programs.
prisoners who used drugs in the month
Among Federal inmates who had used
before the offense, 9% had been in a
Among Federal prisoners with a history
drugs in the month before the offense,
residential treatment facility, and 6%
of drug abuse, the percentage reporting
about 33% had enrolled in programs
had received professional counseling
drug treatment since admission also
such as drug abuse education (24%)
since admission. In comparison, 23%
rose. Of those who had used drugs in
and self-help or peer groups (16%),
of these inmates had joined a self-help
the month before the offense, 15% had
compared to 11% reporting residential
or peer group since admission, and
been treated since admission. Among
treatment. Of those Federal inmates
14% had taken a drug education class.
those Federal prisoners who committed
who were using drugs at the time of
offense, about twice as many reported
Table 10. Types of drug treatment received by State prisoners
enrollment in a drug abuse program
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
since admission (38%), than partici-
pated in drug treatment (19%).
Percent of State prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
Overall, similar percentages of State
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly*
prior to offense
of offense
and Federal prisoners reported partici-
Any treatment or program
24.4%
28.8%
31.8%
34.3%
39.3%
pation in either drug abuse treatment
or other programs since admission.
Treatment
9.7%
11.5%
13.1%
14.6%
18.0%
Residential facility or unit
5.7
6.7
7.7
8.8
11.3
Among those offenders who had ever
Professional counseling
4.1
4.9
5.6
6.0
7.1
used drugs, 29% of State and 32% of
Detoxification unit
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.4
Federal prisoners reported taking part
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
in either drug treatment or other
Other programs
20.3%
24.0%
26.4%
28.3%
32.2%
programs since admission. Participa-
Self-help group/peer
tion increased among more serious
counseling
16.1
19.1
21.3
23.1
26.6
Education
10.2
12.0
13.2
14.1
16.0
drug users and rose to 40% of State
and 46% of Federal prisoners who had
Estimated number of
used drugs at the time of offense.
State prisoners
1,047,701
870,558
729,578
592,611
338,481
*Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Table 11. Types of drug treatment received by Federal prisoners
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly
prior to offense
of offense
Any treatment or program
24.5%
32.1%
36.4%
38.8%
45.8%
Treatment
9.2%
12.4%
14.5%
15.4%
18.9%
Residential facility or unit
6.5
8.6
10.3
10.9
14.1
Professional counseling
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.5
6.4
Detoxification unit
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.3
Other programs
20.0%
26.0%
29.6%
31.7%
38.0%
Self-help group/peer
counseling
8.9
11.9
14.4
15.8
21.1
Education
15.2
19.6
22.1
23.8
27.5
Estimated number of
Federal prisoners
87,790
63,979
50,244
39,275
19,507
*Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 11
A quarter of State and a fifth of
classes, was higher. among both State
About 1 in 6 State and Federal prison-
Federal prisoners received alcohol
(21%) and Federal (17%) prisoners.
ers who met the CAGE criteria for
treatment since admission
alcohol dependence reported taking
Among those prisoners with a history
part in alcohol treatment during their
Since their admission to prison, nearly
of alcohol abuse, participation in
current prison term.
equal percentages of State (8%) and
alcohol treatment was more prevalent.
Federal (7%) prisoners had been
Of those prisoners who reported a
Less than a fifth of alcohol-abusing
treated for alcohol abuse (tables 12
previous alcohol-related physical fight,
prisoners received treatment; about
and 13). Participation in other alcohol
about 14% of both State and Federal
a third enrolled in other programs
abuse programs, such as Alcoholics
prisoners said they had been treated
Anonymous and alcohol education
for alcohol abuse since admission.
Prisoners who had abused alcohol
were less likely to report participation
Table 12. Types of alcohol treatment received by State prisoners
in alcohol treatment than in other abuse
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
programs. Among State prisoners who
committed their offense while drinking,
Percent of State prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
more prisoners had enrolled in self-help
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
or peer groups (29%) and alcohol
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
abuse education classes (16%) since
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
admission than had been in residential
since admission
Total
experience*
of
drinking
of alcohol
responses
treatment (9%) or professional counsel-
Any treatment or program
24.0%
36.1%
36.6%
38.8%
43.6%
ing (6%). Among those State prisoners
Treatment
8.4%
13.9%
14.4%
14.4%
17.9%
who provided three or more positive
Residential facility or unit
5.0
8.4
8.5
8.7
11.0
CAGE responses, a third had enrolled
Professional counseling
3.5
5.9
6.6
6.3
7.9
Detoxification unit
0.6
1.0
1.1
1.0
1.6
in self-help or peer groups alone,
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
compared to fewer than a fifth who
had been in any kind of alcohol treat-
Other programs
20.6%
30.9%
31.7%
33.7%
37.7%
Self-help group/peer
ment since admission.
counseling
16.9
26.3
26.7
28.8
32.6
Education
9.7
14.3
15.1
15.6
17.5
Federal prisoners with a history of
Estimated number
alcohol abuse also reported greater
of State prisoners
1047701
429,222
401,262
387,137
255,746
participation in alcohol abuse programs
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
than in alcohol treatment. Among
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
those Federal prisoners who had
committed their offense while under the
influence of alcohol, more prisoners
Table 13. Types of alcohol treatment received by Federal prisoners
had enrolled in alcohol education
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
classes (19%) and self-help or peer
groups (18%) since admission than in
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
residential treatment (10%) or profes-
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
sional counseling (5%).
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
Overall, the rates of participation in
responses
Any treatment or program.
20.3%
alcohol treatment and other programs
36.1%
36.4%
36.0%
41.0%
were fairly equal in State and Federal
Treatment
7.0%
13.8%
14.6%
13.8%
17.5%
prisons. Among those prisoners who
Residential facility or unit
5.0
10.4
11.0
9.6
12.8
Professional counseling
were drinking at the time of the offense,
2.5
4.7
4.8
4.9
6.7
Detoxification unit
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
14% of both State and Federal inmates
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.7
said that they had been treated for
Other programs
alcohol abuse since admission. Also,
16.8%
29.8%
30.1%
30.5%
33.9%
Self-help group/peer
similar percentages of State (44%) and
counseling
7.9
16.8
17.6
17.8
19.8
Federal (41%) prisoners who met the
Education
12.0
19.9
20.1
19.3
22.3
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence
Estimated number
had taken part in either alcohol treat-
of Federal prisoners
87,790
26,517
19,937
17,829
14,241
ment or other programs since
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
admission.
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
12 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Women, whites more likely to
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
The rate of treatment of alcohol- or
receive substance abuse treatment
reported enrollment in other substance
drug-involved Federal prisoners varied
since admission to State prison
abuse programs since admission.
little by age. For those inmates in age
groups between 25 and 54, the
Among those State prisoners who
As with alcohol- or drug-involved
percentage who had been treated since
can be described as alcohol- or drug-
offenders in State prisons, whites were
admission only ranged from 12% to
involved offenders, women (56%) were
the most likely of these inmates in
14%, and about 27% of each had
more likely than men (41%) to have
Federal prisons to receive treatment
taken part in other substance abuse
ever been treated for substance abuse
since admission (16%), compared to
programs since admission. Federal
(table 14). A higher percentage of
blacks (12%) and Hispanics (8%).
inmates in both the youngest and
female alcohol- or drug-involved
More whites were also enrolled in other
oldest age groups reported lower
offenders (20%, compared to 14% of
substance abuse programs since
participation in both treatment and
male offenders) also reported being
admission (35%) than other inmates.
other programs.
treated since their admission to prison.
However, equal percentages of men
Table 14. Alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners treated
and women reported participation in a
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
substance abuse program, both in the
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners reporting -
past (49%) and since admission (32%).
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
number
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
of State
Since
Since
Slightly higher percentages of white
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
alcohol- or drug-involved State prison-
Total
806,758
41.5%
14.6%
49.4%
31.9%
ers (17%) said they were treated for
substance abuse since admission,
Sex
compared to blacks (13%) and Hispan-
Male
754,418
40.5%
14.2%
49.4%
31.9%
Female
52,340
55.6
19.6
49.3
31.9
ics (12%). Whites were also the only
group of alcohol- or drug-involved
Race/Hispanic origin
prisoners to have a majority report past
White non-Hispanic
271,345
51.8%
17.0%
58.0%
36.3%
Black non-Hispanic
367,331
36.6
13.5
46.7
31.6
substance abuse treatment (52%) or
Hispanic
142,610
33.8
12.5
39.2
23.9
past alcohol or drug programs (58%).
Other
25,472
46.2
16.2
54.2
34.8
Age
The prevalence of substance abuse
24 or younger
158,705
29.3%
10.2%
37.9%
22.6%
treatment among alcohol- or drug-
25-34
316,744
43.1
15.2
50.2
33.1
involved offenders showed little
35-44
242,579
47.4
16.8
54.4
35.5
45-54
71,936
42.4
14.9
53.9
35.5
relationship to age. Similar rates of
55 or older
16,794
36.7
10.1
52.4
31.8
State prisoners in age groups between
25 and 54 reported treatment during
their current sentence (about 1 in 6 of
Table 15. Alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners treated
each) as well as participation in other
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
programs (about 1 in 3 of each). Those
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners reporting -
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners 24
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
or younger, and those 55 or older,
number of
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
Federal
Since
Since
reported the lowest incidence of partici-
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
pation in substance abuse treatment or
Total
73,103
27.7%
11.7%
39.2%
26.0%
other programs.
Sex
Substance abuse treatment of
Male
67,856
27.6%
11.6%
39.6%
26.1%
Female
5,247
28.8
13.3
34.2
25.2
Federal prisoners shows little
variation by sex or age
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
20,178
39.5%
16.0%
51.6%
34.9%
Black non-Hispanic
28,514
25.7
11.9
39.0
25.0
Among those Federal prisoners charac-
Hispanic
21,185
19.0
8.2
28.1
18.5
terized as alcohol- or drug-involved
Other
3,225
29.1
7.3
38.5
29.1
offenders, similar percentages of men
Age
(12%) and women (13%) said they
24 or younger
6,736
21.8%
8.1%
35.2%
24.0%
received substance abuse treatment
25-34
27,500
27.3
12.5
39.2
26.4
since admission (table 15). About a
35-44
22,634
30.2
12.6
41.9
27.6
45-54
11,074
32.8
13.7
40.8
26.8
quarter of both male and female
55 or older
5,159
15.0
4.5
29.5
17.7
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 13
Methodology
prisons was then selected within strata
preceding answers Before the inter
with probabilities proportionate to the
view, inmates were told verbally and in
The U.S. Bureau of the Census
size of each prison.
writing that participation was voluntary
conducted the 1997 Survey of Inmates
and that all information provided would
in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF)
For the sample of Federal prisons, one
be held in confidence. Participants
for the Bureau of Justice Statistics
male prison and two female prisons
were assured that the survey was
(BJS) and the 1997 Survey of Inmates
were selected with certainty. The
solely for statistical purposes and that
in Federal Correctional Facilities
remaining 112 male facilities were
no individual who participated could be
(SIFCF) for BJS and the Bureau of
classified into 5 strata defined by
identified through use of survey results.
Prisons. From June through October,
security level (high, medium, low,
1997, inmates were interviewed about
minimum, and administrative). The 20
Estimates of prisoner counts
their current offense and sentences,
remaining female facilities were strati-
criminal histories, family and personal
fied into 2 strata by security level
Based on the completed interviews,
backgrounds, gun possession and use,
(administrative and not administrative).
estimates for the entire population were
prior drug and alcohol use and treat-
Within security level, facilities were
developed using weighting factors
ment, educational programs, and other
ordered by size of population and then
derived from the original probability of
services provided while in prison.
selected with probability proportionate
selection in the sample. These factors
Similar surveys of State prison inmates
to size.
were adjusted for variable rates of
were conducted in 1974, 1979, 1986,
nonresponse across strata and
and 1991. Federal inmates were
For the State survey 280 prisons were
inmates' characteristics and offenses.
surveyed for the first time in 1991.
selected, 220 male facilities and 60
The sample for the State survey was
female facilities. Of the 280 facilities 3
adjusted to midyear custody counts for
Sample design
refused to allow interviewing and 2
June 30, 1997, from data obtained in
closed before the survey could be
the National Prisoner Statistics series
The samples for the SISCF and SIFCF
conducted. Overall, 32 male facilities
(NPS-1A). The sample from the
were taken from a universe of 1,409
and 8 female facilities were selected for
Federal facilities was weighted to the
State prisons and 127 Federal prisons
the Federal survey, and all participated.
total known sentenced custody popula-
enumerated in the 1995 Census of
tion at midyear 1997.
State and Federal Adult Correctional
In the second stage, inmates were
Facilities or opened between comple-
selected for interviewing. For State
Excluded from the estimate of Federal
tion of the census and June 30, 1996.
facilities interviewers selected the
inmates were unsentenced inmates
The sample design for both surveys
sample systematically using a random
and those prisoners under Federal
was a stratified two-stage selection;
start and a total number of interviews
jurisdiction but housed in State and
first, selecting prisons, and second,
based upon the size and sex of the
private contract facilities. Those
selecting inmates in those prisons.
facility. For the Federal facilities, a
prisoners who were under State juris-
sample of inmates was selected for
diction, yet held in local jails or private
In the first stage correctional facilities
each facility from the Bureau of Prisons
facilities, were excluded from the
were separated into two sampling
central list, using a random start and
estimated number of State prisoners.
frames: one for prisons with male
predetermined sampling interval. All
As a result, the estimated prisoner
inmates and one for prisons with
selected drug offenders were then
counts do not match those in other
female inmates. Prisons holding both
subsampled so that only a third were
BJS data series.
sexes were included on both lists.
eligible for interview. As a result,
approximately 1 in every 75 men and
The estimated prisoner counts vary
In the sampling of State facilities, the
1 in 17 women were selected for the
according to the particular data items
13 largest male prisons and 17 largest
State survey, and 1 in every 13 men
analyzed. Estimates are based on the
female prisons were selected with
and 1 in every 3 women were selected
number of prisoners who provided
certainty. The remaining 1,265 male
for the Federal survey. A total of
information on selected items. (See
facilities and 261 female facilities were
14,285 interviews were completed for
appendix table 1 for level of missing
stratified into 14 strata defined by
the State survey and 4,041 for the
data on current offense.)
census region (Northeast except New
Federal survey, for overall response
York, New York, Midwest, South except
rates of 92.5% in the State survey and
Accuracy of the estimates
Texas, Texas, West except California,
90.2% in the Federal survey.
and California). Within each stratum
The accuracy of the estimates
facilities were ordered by facility type
The interviews, about an hour in length,
presented in this report depends on
(confinement and community-based),
used computer-assisted personal inter-
two types of error: sampling and
security level (maximum, medium,
viewing (CAPI). With CAPI, computers
nonsampling. Sampling error is the
minimum, and none), and size of
provide questions for the interviewer,
variation that may occur by chance
population. A systematic sample of
including follow-up questions tailored to
because a sample rather than a
14 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
complete enumeration of the population
was conducted. Nonsampling error
Appendix table 1. Current offense of sentenced State and Federal prisoners,
can be attributed to many sources,
1991 and 1997
such as nonresponses, differences in
State
Federal
the interpretation of questions among
Type of offense
1991
1997
1991
1997
inmates, recall difficulties, and process-
Violent
46.6%
47.4%
17.3%
14.8%
ing errors. In any survey the full extent
Property
24.8
22.0
10.2
6.8
of the nonsampling error is never
Drug
21.3
20.7
57.9
62.7
Public-order
6.8
9.6
12.4
14.7
known. The sampling error, as
Other
0.4
0.2
2.2
1.1
measured by an estimated standard
Note: In 1991 current offense data were available for 99.4% of sentenced State prisoners and
error, varies by the size of the estimate
99.4% of sentenced Federal prisoners. In 1997 current offense data were available for 98.8%
of sentenced State prisoners and 98.8% of sentenced Federal prisoners.
and the size of the base population.
The offense distribution of State
property (7%) offenders had declined
Estimates of the standard errors have
prisoners in the 1997 survey was
slightly since 1991 (17% and 10%,
been calculated for the 1997 surveys.
largely unchanged from that of the
respectively), while the percentage of
(See appendix tables 2 and 3). For
1991 survey. The percentage of
drug (63%) and public-order offenders
example, the 95-percent confidence
property offenders had decreased
(15%) had risen since 1991 (58% and
interval around the percentage of State
slightly since 1991 (from 25% to 22%),
12%, respectively).
inmates who ever used drugs is
while the percentage of public-order
approximately 83.0% plus or minus
offenders had risen slightly (from 7%
For an offense distribution of the
1.96 times 0.4% (or 82.2.% to 83.8%).
to 10%). Among Federal prisoners the
complete enumeration of Federal
offense distribution displayed more
prisoners, refer to Compendium of
These standard errors may also be
change since the 1991 survey. The
Federal Justice Statistics (volumes
used to test the significance of the
percentage of violent (15%) and
1991 through 1996).
difference between two sample statis-
tics by pooling the standard errors of
Appendix table 2. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
the two sample estimates. For
State prison inmates, 1997
example, the standard error of the
difference between black and white
Base of
Estimated percentages
State prison inmates for the percent
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
reporting a binge drinking experience
5,000
2.2
3.4
4.7
6.3
7.2
7.9
10,000
1.6
2.4
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.6
would be 1.2% (or the square root of
25,000
1.0
1.5
2.1
2.8
3.2
3.5
the sum of the squared standard errors
50,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
25
for each group). The 95-percent confi-
100,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
250,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
dence interval around the difference
500,000
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
would be 1.96 times 1.2% (or 2.4%).
750,000
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
Since the difference of 21.6% (53.5%
1,000,000
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
1,059,607
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.5
minus 31.9%) is greater than 2.4%, the
difference would be considered statisti-
cally significant.
Appendix table 3. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
Federal prison inmates, 1997
The same procedure can be used to
Base of
Estimated percentages
test the significance of the difference
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
between estimates from the two
500
3.9
6.1
8.4
11.1
12.8
13.9
surveys. For example, the standard
1,000
2.8
4.3
5.9
7.9
9.0
9.8
5,000
1.2
1.9
2.6
3.5
4.0
4.4
error of the difference between Federal
15,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
25
and State prison inmates for the
30,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
percent reporting prior drug use would
45,000
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.3
1.5
60,000
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.3
be 1.1%. The 95-percent confidence
80,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
interval around the difference would be
89.072
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.96 times 1.1% (or 2.1%). Since the
difference of 10.1% (83.0% minus
95-percent confidence level. To test
female inmates require different
the significance of comparisons not
standard errors.
72.9%) is greater than 2.1%, the differ-
ence would be considered statistically
mentioned in this report, use percent-
significant.
ages in text or tables and numbers of
inmates. These standard errors
All comparisons discussed in this report
should be used only for tests on all
were statistically significant at the
inmates. Comparisons of male and
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 15
The Bureau of Justice Statistics
Data collection and processing were
This report and others from the
is the statistical agency of the
carried out at the Demographic
Bureau of Justice Statistics are avail-
U.S. Department of Justice.
Surveys Division, U.S. Bureau of the
able through the Internet -
Jan M. Chaiken, Ph.D., is Director.
Census, by La Terri Bynum, Elizabeth
Griffin, Marita Perez, and Laarni Verdo-
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
BJS Special Reports address a
lin under the supervision of Kathleen
specific topic in depth from one or
Creighton and Gertrude Odom and by
more datasets that cover many topics.
Christopher Alaura and Lawrence
The data from the 1997 Surveys of
Altmayer under the supervision of
Inmates in State and Federal Correc-
Stephen Phillips and David Watt.
tional Facilities are available from the
Christopher J. Mumola wrote this
National Archive of Criminal Justice
report under the supervision of Allen J.
Beck. Melvinda Pete and Doris James
The questionnaire was programmed
Data, maintained by the Institute for
Wilson provided statistical assistance.
by Ellen-Soper of the Technologies
Social Research at the University of
Tom Hester edited the report. Marilyn
Management Office under the supervi-
Michigan, 1-800-999-0960. The
Marbrook, assisted by Yvonne Boston,
sion of William Mockovak. Sample
archive may also be accessed
prepared the report for publication.
design and weighting were provided at
through the BJS Internet site. The
the Statistical Methods Division by
file number for the surveys is
Caroline Wolf Harlow developed the
Denise Lewis and Andrew Zbikowski
ICPSR 2598.
survey questionnaire and monitored
under the supervision of J. Michael
data collection, data processing, and
Roebuck and Thomas Moore. Inter-
production of weights. Christopher
views were conducted by the Field
Innes, assisted by Susan Allison,
Division and coordinated by Medell
Denise Golumbaski, Nancy Miller,
Ford III and John Godenick under the
Vicki Russell, Allyson Suski, and Ina
supervision of Richard Ning.
Winn at the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
developed the sample of Federal
December 1998, NCJ 172871
inmates and coordinated data
collection in Federal facilities.
16 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
DEC-30-1998
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U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Special Report
December 1998, NCJ 172871
Substance Abuse and Treatment,
State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
By Christopher J. Mumola
BJS Policy Analyst
Highlights
In the 1997 Survey of Inmates in State
and Federal Correctional Facilities,
Half of State inmates and a third of Federal prisoners reported committing
over 570,000 of the Nation's prisoners
their current offense under the Influence of alcohol or drugs
(51%) reported the use of alcohol or
Percent of prisoners
in 1997 over 80% of State and
drugs while committing their offense.
Self-reports
1997
1991
over 70% of Federal prisoners
While only a fifth of State prisoners
Drug use
In month before offense
reported past drug use; about 1 in 6
were drug offenders, 83% reported
State
57%
50%
of both reported committing their
past drug use and 57% were using
Federal
45
32
current offense to obtain money
drugs in the month before their offense,
for drugs.
compared to 79% and 50%, respec-
At the time of offense
tively, in 1991. Also, 37% of State
State
33%
31%
About 40% of State and 30% of
Federal
prisoners were drinking at the time of
22
17
Federal prisoners reported a prior
their offense, up from 32% in 1991.
Alcohol use
binge drinking experience; over 40%
At the time of offense
of both had driven drunk in the past.
Among Federal prisoners the reports of
State
37%
32%
substance abuse increased more
Federal
20
11
Overall, 3 in 4 State and 4 in 5
sharply. Although the proportion of
Alcohol/drug use
Federal prisoners may be character-
Federal prisoners held for drug
At the time of offense
ized as alcohol- or drug-involved
offenses rose from 58% in 1991 to 63%
State
52%
49%
offenders.
in 1997, the percentage of all Federal
Federal
34
24
inmates who reported using drugs in
Since admission 1 in 8 State prisoners were treated for substance abuse,
the month before the offense rose more
and 1 in 4 had participated in other alcohol or drug abuse programs
dramatically from 32% to 45%. A fifth
of Federal prisoners reported drinking
Percent of State pris-
Over 50% of State and over 40%
oners participating
at the time of their offense in 1997, up
since admission
of Federal prisoners had ever partici-
from a tenth in 1991.
Other
pated in treatment or other programs
Treatment"
programs
for substance abuse; a third of State
Over 360,000 prisoners - a third of
Any treatment
12%
28%
and a quarter of Federal prisoners
State, and about a quarter of Federal
Drug treatment
had participated since their admission.
10%
20%
prisoners - said they had participated
Ever used
12
24
in drug or alcohol treatment or other
In month before offense
15
28
Among both State and Federal
substance abuse programs since
Used at time of offense
18
32
prisoners who had used drugs in the
admission. Reported levels of drug
Alcohol treatment
8%
21%
month before the offense, about 1 in 7
treatment since admission were lower
Binge drinkers
14
31
had been treated for drug abuse since
for both State (10%) and Federal (9%)
Alcohol dependent
18
38
admission; nearly a third had enrolled
Used at time of offense
14
34
prisoners than those reported in 1991
in other drug abuse programs.
(25% and 16%, respectively). Over the
*Includes residential facilities, professional
same period, participation in other drug
counseling, detoxification units, and mainte-
Since admission 14% of both State
nance drug programs.
abuse programs increased for both
*Includes self-help/peer counseling groups,
and Federal prisoners drinking at the
State (from 16% to 20%) and Federal
as well as educational or awareness programs.
time of offense had been treated for
prisoners (from 10% to 20%).
alcohol abuse; a third had enrolled in
other alcohol abuse programs.
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Drug offenders accounted for over 250,000 prisoners; 21% of State,
Half of all prisoners were under the
over 60% of Federal prisoners in 1997
influence of alcohol or drugs at the
time of their offense
Percent of drug
Since the last surveys in 1991, the
offenders
number of drug offenders in State
State
Federal
An estimated 51% of all prisoners (52%
Type of drug offense
and Federal prisons has grown by
of State and 34% of Federal) said they
Possession
27.1%
5.3%
nearly 90,000, or an average annual
were under the influence of alcohol or
Trafficking*
70.1
85.8
growth rate of 6.4%. However, the
Other
2.8
8.9
drugs while they committed their
number of inmates incarcerated for
current offense (table 1), Among State
Status at arrest
nondrug offenses has grown at virtu-
prisoners the incidence of alcohol or
None
46.2%
75.9%
ally the same rate over that period
Status
53.8
24.1
drug use at the time of offense showed
On paroleᵇ
27.4
10.2
(6.3%). As a result, drug offenders
little variation by offense type, ranging
On probation
25.9
13.8
make up the same proportion of the
from 52% of violent offenders to 56% of
Escaped from custody
0.5
0.2
prison population as in 1991, despite
public-order offenders. Among specific
Criminal history
their substantial numerical growth.
offense types only weapons (42%),
None
23.8%
43.8%
Priors
76.2
fraud (43%), and sexual assault (45%)
56.2
In 1997 drug offenders in State prison
Violent recidivists
23.2
11.9
offenders had a minority reporting the
Drug recidivists only
14.1
reported extensive criminal histories:
16.0
influence of alcohol or drugs at the time
Other recidivists
38.8
28.3
of their offense.
54% were on probation, parole,
Number of prior probation/
or escape at the time of their arrest.
incarceration sentences
0
17.4%
40.6%
76% had a prior sentence to incar-
Among Federal prisoners the reported
1
20.2
ceration or probation; 45% had three
use of alcohol or drugs at the time of
19.5
2
17.5
15.5
or more prior sentences.
offense showed greater variation by
3-5
27.2
18.2
23% had a prior violent offense;
offense type. Violent offenders (40%)
6-10
11.5
5.0
11 or more
38% reported that all sentences had
6.3
reported the highest levels, followed
1.2
been for drug offenses.
by drug (35%), public-order (30%).
Type of drug involved
and property (23%) offenders. Among
in current offense
Drug offenders in Federal prisons
Marijuana/hashish
12.9%
18.9%
specific offense types only murder
reported less severe criminal histories
Cocaine/crack
72.1
65.5
(52%) and assault (51%) offenders had
Heroin/other opiates
12.8
9.9
than those in State prisons:
a majority reporting the use of alcohol
Depressants
1.2
0.6
Stimulants
9.9
11.0
24% were on probation, parole,
or drugs at the time of their current
Hallucinogens
1.1
1.7
or escape at the time of arrest.
offense. Fraud (15%) and sexual
56% had a prior sentence; 24%
assault (32%) offenders were among
*Includes those reporting an intent to distribute.
had three or more prior sentences.
the Federal prisoners least likely to
bincludes supervised release.
12% had a prior violent offense;
have committed their current offense
More than one type of drug may have been
involved in the current offense.
60% had been sentenced solely
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
for drug offenses.
Assault, murder, and sexual assault
most closely tied to alcohol use at
Number of prisoners serving
the time of offense
a sentence for a drug of fense
1997 custody
300,000
population
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
277,859
prisoners reported the influence of
Total
alcohol at the time of offense. Among
State prisoners about two-fifths of
222,100
200,000
public-order and violent offenders were
State
drinking at the time of offense, followed
by a third of property and a quarter of
drug offenders. Among Federal prison-
ers reported use of alcohol at the time
100,000
of offense varied less by offense type,
ranging from 16% of property offenders
55,759
to 25% of violent offenders. For both
Federal
State and Federal prisoners, the
0
specific offenses most closely related
1980
1986
1991
1997
to alcohol use at the time of offense
were violent ones - assault, murder,
manslaughter, and sexual assault.
2 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
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Table 1. Alcohol or drug use at time of offense of State and Federal prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Percent of prisoners who reported being under the influence at time of offense
Estimated number of prisoners*
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Type of offense
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Total
1,046,705
88,018
37.2%
20.4%
32.6%
22.4%
52.5%
34.0%
Violent offenses
494,349
13,021
41.7%
24.5%
29.0%
24.5%
51.9%
39.8%
Murder
122,435
1,288
44.6
38.7
26.8
29.4
52.4
52.4
Negligent manslaughter
16,592
53
52.0
17.4
56.0
Sexual assaultb
89,328
713
40.0
32.3
21.5
7.9
45.2
32.3
Robbery
148,001
8,770
37.4
18.0
39.9
27.8
55.6
37.6
Assault
97,897
1,151
45.1
46.0
24.2
13.8
51.8
50.5
Other violent
20,096
1,046
39.6
32.2
29.0
15.9
48.2
37.2
Property offenses
230,177
5,964
34.5%
15.6%
36.6%
10.8%
53.2%
22.6%
Burglary
111,884
294
37.2
38.4
55.7
Larceny/theft
43,936
414
33.7
38.4
54.2
Motor vehicle theft
19,279
216
32.2
39.0
51.2
Fraud
28,102
4,283
25.2
10.4
30.5
6.5
42.8
14.5
Other property
26,976
757
36.0
22.8
30.6
16.4
53.2
34.6
Drug offenses
216,254
55,069
27.4%
19.8%
41,9%
25.0%
52.4%
34.6%
Possession
92,373
10,094
29.6
21.3
42.6
25.1
53.9
36.0
Trafficking
117,926
40,053
25.5
19.4
41.0
25.9
50.9
35.0
Other drug
5,955
4,922
29.9
19,7
47.1
17.1
59.2
29.0
Public-order offenses
103,344
13,026
43.2%
20.6%
23.1%
15.6%
56.2%
30.2%
Weapons
25,642
6,025
28.3
23.0
22.4
24.4
41.8
37.1
Other public-order
77,702
7,001
48.1
18.5
23.3
8.1
60.9
24.1
Too few cases in the sample to permit calculation.
*Includes rape and other sexual assault.
Based on cases with valid offense data. See Methodology
for differences from other BJS prisoner counts.
A third of State and a fifth of Federal
most closely tied to drug influence,
drug use during the offense than State
prisoners said they used drugs at
while manslaughter (17%) and sexual
prisoners (42% and 37%, respectively).
the time of offense
assault (22%) offenders were the least
Murder (29%) and robbery (28%)
likely to report drug use during the
offenders were the Federal prisoners
A third of State prisoners said they had
offense.
most likely to report drug influence.
committed their current offense while
under the influence of drugs. Drug
About 1 in 5 Federal prisoners commit-
Prior drug use by State prisoners
(42%) and property offenders (37%)
ted their offense under the influence of
remained stable since 1991, except
reported the highest incidence of drug
drugs. Among violent offenders
for marijuana use
use at the time of offense, followed by
Federal prisoners (25%) were nearly as
violent (29%) and public-order offend-
likely as State prisoners (29%) to report
Over 80% of State prisoners said they
ers (23%). Among specific offenses
drug influence. However, Federal drug
had used drugs at some time in the
drug possession (43%) and trafficking
(25%) and property offenders (11%)
past; a slight increase since 1991
(41%) and robbery (40%) were the
reported a much lower incidence of
(table 2). Marijuana (77%) and
Table 2. Drug use of State prisoners, 1991 and 1997
Percent of State prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly*
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drug"
83.0%
79.4%
69.6%
62.2%
56.5%
49.9%
32.6%
31.0%
Marijuana/hashish
77.0
73.8
58.3
51.9
39.2
32.2
15.1
11.4
Cocaine/crack
49.2
49.4
33.6
31.9
25,0
25.2
14.8
14.5
Heroin/opiates
24.5
25.2
15,0
15.3
9.2
9.6
5.6
5.8
Depressants
23.7
24.0
11.3
10.8
5.1
3.8
1.8
1.0
Stimulants
28.3
29.7
16.3
16.6
9.0
7.4
4.2
2.9
Hallucinogens*
28.7
26,9
11.3
11.5
4.0
3.7
1.8
1.6
Inhalants
14.4
-
5.4
-
1.0
-
-
--
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
Other unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
Includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaalude.
-Not reported.
"Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
*Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
*Includes LSD and PCP,
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 3
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Table 3. Drug use of Federal prisoners, 1991 and 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners who reported -
Ever using drugs
Using drugs in the
Using drugs at the
Ever using drugs
regularly*
month before offense
time of offense
Type of drug
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
Any drugh
72.9%
60.1%
57.3%
42.1%
44.8%
31.8%
22.4%
16.8%
Marijuana/hashish
65.2
52.8
46.6
32.2
30.4
19.2
10.8
5.9
Cocaine/crack
44.8
37.3
28.2
20.6
20.0
15.4
9.3
7.7
Heroin/opiates
16.1
14.1
8.9
9.3
5.4
5.5
3.0
3.7
Depressants
16.5
13.1
8.0
5.3
3.2
1.4
1.0
0.3
Stimulants
20.9
16.8
12.9
8.3
7.6
3.9
4.1
1.8
Hallucinogens*
19.0
14.8
6.4
4.8
1.7
1.2
0.8
0.5
Inhalants
7.7
-
2.6
-
0.5
-
I
I
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners
Other unspecified drugs are included in the totals.
may have used more than one type of drug.
includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and Quaslude.
--Not reported.
"Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.
*Used drugs at least once a week for at least a month.
*Includes LSD and PCP.
cocaine-based drugs, including crack
Nearly three-quarters of Federal
Over 40% of Federal prisoners
(49%), were the most commonly used
prisoners had used drugs In the
used drugs in the month before the
drugs, followed by hallucinogens
past - up from 60% In 1991
offense; 20% used cocaine or crack
(29%), stimulants (28%), opiates,
including heroin, and depressants (both
In 1991, 60% of Federal prisoners
In the month before their current
24%). In addition, about 1 in 7 State
reported prior drug use, compared to
offense, 45% of Federal prisoners had
prisoners reported using inhalants in
79% of State prisoners (table 3). In
used drugs, an increase from the 32%
the past.
1997 this gap in prior drug use was
reported in 1991. The use of marijuana
narrowed, as the percentage of Federal
led this trend (up from 19% to 30%),
Fifty-seven percent of State prisoners
inmates reporting past drug use rose
while use of cocaine-based drugs
said they had used drugs in the month
to 73%, compared to 83% of State
showed a smaller increase (from 15%
before their current offense, up from
inmates. This increase was mostly
to 20%). Although the percentage of
50% in 1991. The use of marijuana
due to a rise in the percentage of
Federal prisoners using stimulants
in the month before the offense (39%)
Federal prisoners reporting prior use
grew slightly from 4% to 8%, fewer than
had increased since 1991 (32%), while
of marijuana (from 53% in 1991 to
10% of Federal inmates used any type
the use of other drugs remained largely
65%) and cocaine-based drugs (from
of drug besides marijuana and
unchanged. A quarter of State prison-
37% to 45%).
cocaine/crack in the month before
ers reported using cocaine-based
the offense.
drugs in the month before the offense.
Most other drug types showed modest
Opiates, including heroin, and stimu-
increases over this period. A fifth of
The percentage of Federal prisoners
lants (both 9%) were the only other
Federal prisoners had used stimulants
reporting the use of drugs at the time
types of drugs used by more than 5%
and hallucinogens, followed by depres-
of their offense grew from 17% to 22%
of State prisoners in the month before
sants and opiates, including heroin
since 1991. The percentage of Federal
the offense.
(both 16%). About 1 in 12 Federal
inmates using marijuana while commit-
prisoners reported the prior use of
ting their offense grew from 6% to 11%
A third of State prisoners had used
inhalants.
over this period, while the percentage
drugs at the time of offense, which was
using cocaine or crack was relatively
almost unchanged since 1991. The
The percentage of Federal inmates
unchanged at 9%. Fewer than 5% of
percentage of State prisoners reporting
reporting past regular drug use -
Federal inmates had used any other
marijuana use at the time of the offense
using at least once a week for a month
type of drug at the time of the offense.
grew slightly from 11% to 15%, while
or longer also rose, from 42% to
the use of other types of drugs
57% since 1991. Past regular users
Despite these increases in past drug
remained the same since 1991.
of marijuana grew from a third to nearly
use among Federal prisoners, as well
Although many more State prisoners
half of the Federal prison population,
as their much higher percentage of
had used marijuana (77%) than
while a quarter had used cocaine-
drug offenders (see box, page 2),
cocaine-based drugs (49%) in the past,
based drugs regularly. Stimulants,
higher percentages of State prisoners
an equal percentage (15%) of State
such as methamphetamine, had been
still reported past drug use on all
inmates had used these drugs at the
used regularly by 13% of Federal
measures and for each type of drug.
time of the offense,
prisoners, up from 8% in 1991.
A
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Nearly 1 in 5 State prisoners said
Past experiences of alcohol abuse, by number of positive
they committed their offense to get
CAGE responses of State prisoners, 1997
money for drugs
Percent of State prisoners reporting past experience,
by the number of positive CAGE responses
Nineteen percent of State prisoners,
0
1
2
3
4
and 16% of Federal inmates said that
Under the influence of alcohol
they committed their current offense to
at the time of the offense
15.4%
46.7%
59.0%
65.9%
75.6%
obtain money for drugs. These
Ever had a binge
percentages represent a slight increase
drinking experience"
14.1
55.4
65.8
77.3
88.1
from 1991, when 17% of State and
10% of Federal prisoners identified
Ever gotten into physical fights
because of drinking
13.2
50.6
63.0
71.7
82.6
drug money as a motive for their
current offense.
Estimated number of State prisoners 573,473
118,628
111,759
128,065
127,681
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed as much as a fifth of liquor in a single day, equiva-
Percent of prisoners who
lent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or as many as 3 six-packs of beer.
reported committing their
offense to obtain money
The CAGE questionnaire is a diagnos-
indicators of prior alcohol abuse from
for drugs
1997
1991
tic instrument for detecting a person's
the Survey of Inmates in State Correc-
tional Facilities (table above). While
State prisoners
19%
17%
history of alcohol abuse or depend-
Federal prisoners
16
10
ence. CAGE is an acronym for the
14% of those State inmates with no
four questions used by the instrument
positive CAGE responses reported
Responses from a quarter of State, a
- attempts to (C)ut back on drinking,
a past "binge drinking" episode, the
sixth of Federal prisoners indicated
(A)nnoyance at others' criticism of
same was true of 88% of those with
past alcohol abuse or dependence
one's drinking, feelings of (G)uilt about
four CAGE replies. Likewise, 15%
drinking, and needing a drink first thing
of those with zero positive CAGE
According to the CAGE diagnostic
in the morning as an (E)ye opener to
responses had committed their offense
instrument (see box), 24% of State
steady the nerves. The CAGE instru-
while under the influence of alcohol,
prisoners reported experiences that
ment determines a person's likelihood
compared to 76% of those with four
are consistent with a history of alcohol
of alcohol abuse by the number of
positive replies. In this report, only
abuse or dependence (table 4). The
positive responses to these questions.
those prisoners with three or more
incidence of alcohol abuse among
positive responses are categorized
State prisoners varied somewhat by
In a clinical test involving hospital
as alcohol abusive or dependent.
offense type. Almost 33% of public-
admissions, three or more positive
order offenders provided three or more
CAGE responses carried a .99 predic-
*Data on the predictive values of the CAGE
instrument are taken from the article "Screening
positive CAGE responses, followed by
tive value for alcohol abuse or
for Alcohol Abuse Using the CAGE Question-
property (27%), violent (24%), and drug
dependence.* In addition, there is a
naire" by B. Bush and others, The American
offenders (19%). Drug offenders were
strong relationship of positive CAGE
Journal of Medicine, Vol. 82, February 1987,
pp. 231-35.
also the least likely to report at least
responses to other self-reported
one positive CAGE response (41%),
while public-order offenders (56%)
were the most likely.
Table 4. Number of positive CAGE responses for State and Federal
prisoners, by type of offense, 1997
Federal prisoners were less likely than
Percent of prisoners, by the number
State inmates to report past alcohol
Estimated
of positive CAGE responses
abuse or dependence. Overall, 16%
Type of
number of
1 or
2 or
3 or
of Federal prisoners provided three or
offense
prisoners
more
more
more
4
more positive CAGE replies, with little
All State prisoners
1,046,705
46.3%
35.1%
24.4%
12.2%
variation across offense types. Violent
Violent
494,349
46.5%
35.4%
24.2%
11.7%
(19%) and public-order (17%) offenders
Property
230,177
47.9
37.6
27.3
14.7
were about as likely as drug (16%) and
Drug
216,254
40.9
28.1
19.1
9.0
property (15%) offenders to indicate a
Public-order
103,344
55.6
43.4
31.0
16.1
history of alcohol abuse. Federal
All Federal prisoners
88,018
34.9%
24.8%
16,3%
7.3%
prisoners were also less likely to have
provided at least one positive CAGE
Violent
13,021
40.5%
27.8%
18,8%
9.4%
Property
5,964
30.4
21.2
15.0
6.6
response (35%) than State prisoners
Drug
55,069
33.5
23.8
15.6
6.5
(46%).
Public-order
13,026
36.9
26.7
17.1
8.7
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Table 5. Experiences while under the influence of alcohol or drugs reported by State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol
Drugs
Alcohol or drugs
Past experiences
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Have you ever driven a car or any other
vehicle while under the influence of
46.8%
43.1%
53.1%
45.8%
64.3%
58.6%
alcohol drugs?
Have you ever had arguments with your
spouse, family, or friends while or right after
drinking using drugs?
40.2
28.8
41.9
29.7
56.0
41.2
Have you ever lost a job because of your
drinking using drugs?
10.3
5.0
15.3
8.2
20.0
10.7
Have you ever had job or school trouble
because of your drinking using drugs
(such as demotion at work or dropping
out of school)?
15.6
7.8
22.3
12.0
28.0
15.5
Have you ever been arrested or held at
a police station because of your drinking
using drugs?
29.5
19.2
29.0
16.1
44.6
30.3
Have you ever gotten into a physical fight while
or right after drinking using drugs?
38.3
22.8
32.5
17.1
48.5
28.3
Have you ever had as much as a fifth of liquor
in 1 day (20 drinks, 3 six-packs of beer,
or 3 bottles of wine)?
41.0
30.3
-
-
--
I
Have you ever used a needle to inject any
drugs for nonmedical reasons?
-
-
20.0
12.3
I
I
-Not applicable.
Over 60% of all prisoners had driven
A slightly lower percentage of Federal
Prisoners were as likely to
while under the influence of alcohol
prisoners reported these experiences.
experience problems with
or drugs
As with State prisoners the most
alcohol as with drugs
commonly reported behavior was
Substantial percentages of both State
driving under the influence of alcohol
Breaking these behaviors down
and Federal prisoners reported having
or drugs (59%). Two-fifths of Federal
separately into alcohol- or drug-related
engaged in dangerous and troubled
prisoners had been involved in alcohol-
experiences yielded few substantial
behaviors associated with past alcohol
or drug-related domestic disputes, and
differences. For example, the percent-
and drug abuse. Among State prison-
nearly a third of Federal prisoners
age of State prisoners who had domes-
ers nearly two-thirds said they had
reported a prior arrest involving their
tic disputes (40%) or prior arrests
previously driven while under the influ-
alcohol or drug abuse. A tenth of
(29%) related to alcohol abuse
ence of alcohol or drugs (table 5). Half
Federal prisoners had lost their job due
matched those reporting such experi-
of State prisoners had also experi-
to alcohol or drug abuse, compared to
ences related to drug use (42% and
enced alcohol- or drug-related domes-
a fifth of State prisoners.
30%, respectively). Among Federal
tic disputes (56%) or had been involved
prisoners similar percentages reported
in physical fights related to their alcohol
Two-fifths of State prisoners reported a
driving under the influence of alcohol
or drug use (49%). Over 40% had
prior "binge drinking" experience -
(43%) and drugs (46%) and getting
been arrested at some time as a result
consuming the equivalent of a fifth of
into alcohol- (29%) and drug-related
of their alcohol or drug use, and over
liquor in a single day. In addition, 1 in 5
(30%) domestic disputes.
25% had experienced trouble at work
State prisoners said they had used
or school.
intravenous drugs in the past. Fewer
Federal inmates reported both "binge
drinking" (30%) and prior intravenous
drug use (12%).
6 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
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Female State prisoners reported
Prisoners age 44 and younger report
Over 80% of State prisoners under
higher levels of past drug use; levels
more prior drug abuse than older
45 reported some prior drug use,
higher for male Federal prisoners
prisoners
compared to 63% of those 45 or older.
A third of State prisoners under 45 said
Women in State prisons (62%) were
Prisoners in age categories below 45
they committed their offense while on
more likely than men (56%) to have
(87% of State, 76% of Federal prison-
drugs, compared to a fifth of those 45
used drugs in the month before the
ers) reported similar levels of prior drug
or older. Likewise, in Federal prisons
offense (table 6). Women were also
use, and their incidence of drug use
49% of prisoners under 45 had used
more likely to have committed their
was consistently higher than that of
drugs in the month before their offense,
offense while under the influence of
older prisoners.
compared to 32% of older prisoners.
drugs (40%, compared to 32%):
However, nearly equal percentages
Table 6. Levels of prior drug abuse, by selected characteristics
of men and women in State prisons
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
reported using drugs in the past.
Percent of prisoners reporting use of drugs -
Among Federal prisoners higher
Estimated
In the
number of
Ever in
Used
month prior
At the time
percentages of men reported past
Characteristic
prisoners*
the past
regularly
to offense
of offense
drug use (74%, compared to 63%
All State prisoners
1,059,607
83.0%
69.6%
56.5%
32.6%
of women) as well as drug use in the
month before the offense (45%,
Sex
compared to 37%). At the time of
Male
993,365
82.9%
69.3%
56.1%
32.1%
offense, about equal percentages
Female
66,242
84.0
73.6
62.4
40.4
of men (23%) and women (19%) in
Race/Hispanic origin
Federal prisons reported the influence
White non-Hispanic
352,864
83.6%
70.5%
55.2%
33.9%
of drugs during their offense.
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
83.7
70.5
58.3
31.9
Hispanic
179,998
80.7
65.6
55.0
33.0
Other
34,069
79.0
66.7
52.7
27.8
Prior drug use of State prisoners
varies little by race; Hispanics report
Age
lowest levels in Federal prisons
24 or younger
209,343
84.1%
71.1%
63.2%
33.3%
25-34
404,034
86.4
72.9
60.0
35.0
Among State prisoners prior drug use
35-44
311,999
86.3
73.4
56.5
34.5
45-54
103,470
70.5
55.2
40.4
22.7
patterns varied little across racial or
55 or older
30,761
39.0
24.3
18.4
9.7
ethnic groups. Similar percentages of
non-Hispanic whites and blacks (84%
All Federal prisoners
89,072
72.9%
57.3%
44.8%
22.4%
of each) and Hispanics (81%) reported
using drugs in the past. Slightly over
Sex
Male
82,646
73.7%
58.1%
45.4%
22.7%
half of each group had used drugs in
Female
6,426
62.8
47.2
36.7
19.3
the month before the offense, and
about a third of each said they had
Race/Hispanic origin
used drugs at the time of offense.
White non-Hispanic
26,616
77.2%
63.5%
49.4%
28.6%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
77.5
61.9
47.2
22.2
Hispanic
24,349
63.5
45.5
37.5
16,9
In Federal prisons fewer Hispanics
Other
4,411
64.2
50.0
38.5
18.1
reported drug use on all measures.
Less than half of Hispanic Federal
Age
24 or younger
7,933
80.4%
65.4%
57.2%
28.1%
prisoners had used drugs regularly,
25-34
32,634
76.0
60.6
48.5
23.0
and about a third used drugs in the
35-44
27,259
77.2
60.6
46.8
24.7
month before the offense. Nearly equal
45-54
14,501
67.6
52.5
35.2
18.8
55 or older
6,746
43.6
28.6
24.3
11.8
percentages of non-Hispanic whites
and blacks reported past drug use
"Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
Regular use is defined as once a week or more for at least a month.
(77% of whites, 78% of blacks), regular
drug use (63% and 62%), and drug use
in the month before the offense (49%
and 47%).
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 7
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Alcohol abuse more prevaient
Non-Hispanic whites consistently
Prisoners' reports of alcohol abuse
among whites, male prisoners
reported the highest levels of alcohol
were not related to age. Among those
abuse among State inmates. A major-
State prisoners in the age groups
Prior alcohol abuse was more prevalent
ity of whites reported a prior binge
between 25 and 54, similar percent-
among male prisoners (table 7). Male
drinking experience, and a third met the
ages reported all three measures of
State prisoners were more likely to
CAGE criteria for alcohol dependence.
prior alcohol abuse.
have been drinking at the time of the
Among Hispanic State inmates 40%
offense (38%) or to report past binge
reported a prior binge drinking experi-
Among Federal prisoners, between
drinking (42%) than women (about 29%
ence, and 22% met the CAGE criteria
12% and 20% of all age groups met the
for both). However, about a quarter of
for alcohol dependence, higher than
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence,
both men and women fit the CAGE
blacks on both measures (32% and
and those reporting alcohol influence
profile of alcohol dependence.
19%, respectively).
at time of offense ranged from 13%
to 22% of various age groups.
Among Federal inmates men were also
Prior alcohol abuse varied little by race
more likely than women to report each
among Federal prisoners. White
Three-quarters of all prisoners
measure of alcohol abuse. More male
Federal inmates reported the highest
can be characterized as alcohol-
Federal inmates committed their
incidence of prior binge drinking (38%),
or drug-involved offenders
offense while drinking (21%) and were
but were not significantly higher than
past "binge drinkers" (31%) than
black or Hispanic inmates on other
About three-quarters of all prisoners
women (15% and 19%, respectively).
alcohol abuse measures.
reported some type of involvement
with alcohol or drug abuse in the time
Table 7. Levels of prior alcohol abuse, by selected characteristics
leading up to their current offense.
of State and Federal prisoners, 1997
Among State prisoners the largest
groups of alcohol- or drug-involved
Percent of prisoners reporting prior alcohol abuse
Estimated
Under the influence
inmates were those who used drugs
Ever had a
3 or more
number of
"binge drinking"
of alcohol at the
positive CAG
in the month before the offense (57%)
Characteristic
prisoners*
experience
time of offense
responses
and those under the influence of
All State prisoners
1,059,607
41.0%
37.2%
24.4%
alcohol or drugs while committing their
offense (52%). Among Federal prison-
Sex
Male
993,365
41.8%
37.7%
24.5%
ers conviction for a drug offense (63%)
Female
66,242
29.9
29.1
23.4
made up the largest component of
alcohol or drug involvement. Fewer
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
352,864
53.5%
42.7%
33.5%
Federal than State prisoners abused
Black non-Hispanic
492,676
31.9
33.0
18.6
drugs in the month before the offense
Hispanic
179,998
39.9
36.7
22.0
(45%), or used alcohol or drugs at the
Other
34,069
49.6
41.7
27.7
time of offense (34%).
Age
Percent of prisoners
24 or younger
209,343
40.2%
30.7%
15.8%
State
Federal
25-34
404,034
42.3
37.7
24.8
35-44
311,999
42.3
41.3
28.6
Current drug offense
20.7%
62.6%
45-54
103.470
37.4
37.7
Current DWI offense
28.5
1.6
:
55 or older
30,761
29.3
30.2
22.5
Alcohol/drug influence
at time of offense
52.5
34.0
All Federal prisoners
89,072
30.3%
20.4%
16.2%
Drug use in the month
prior to offense
56.5
44.8
Sex
3 or more positive
Male
82,646
31.2%
20.9%
16.6%
CAGE responses
24.4
16.2
Female
6,426
18.8
15.1
11.6
Alcohol- or drug-
Race/Hispanic origin
involved prisoners
76.2%
82.1%
White non-Hispanic
26,616
38.3%
22.1%
19.3%
Black non-Hispanic
33,697
25.0
21.1
12.5
Many drug offenders reported that they
Hispanic
24,349
28.2
16.8
17.8
were not using drugs regularly in the
Other
4,411
34.9
26.0
17.6
month before their offense. If such
Age
drug offenders were excluded from this
24 or younger
7,933
31.8%
18.4%
12.0%
category, the percentage of alcohol- or
25-34
32,634
32.1
22.5
15.3
35-44
27,259
drug-involved State inmates drops
30.8
20.5
17.2
45-54
14,501
29.1
20.2
19.7
slightly to 69%. However, with this
55 or older
6,746
20.8
13.4
14.5
restriction the percentage of Federal
"Based on probability of selection in the sample and adjusted to June 30, 1997, custody counts.
prisoners who were alcohol- or drug-
involved declines sharply to 52%.
8 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
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A third of State, a quarter of Federal
Among Federal prisoners 1 in 4 said
Participation in substance abuse treat-
prisoners said they had ever been
they had ever been in alcohol or drug
ment since admission also varied by
treated for substance abuse
treatment, and 1 in 10 had been treated
the amount of time remaining until
since their admission to prison. In
expected release. Among those
A third of State prisoners reported past
addition, a third of Federal prisoners
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
participation in alcohol or drug abuse
reported participation in other alcohol
serving their final 6 months, a higher
treatment, such as time spent in a
or drug programs, and a fifth had taken
percentage said they had been treated
residential facility, professional
part in such programs since admission.
since admission (19% of State, 20% of
counseling, detoxification, or use of a
Federal) than those with over a year
maintenance drug (table 8). About
Treatment tied to past use, time
until release (13% of State, 10% of
1 in 8 State prisoners had participated
remaining until expected release
Federal). Participation in other abuse
in these types of alcohol or drug treat-
programs was also highest for those
ment since their admission to prison.
Participation in treatment programs
alcohol- or drug-involved offenders
rose among those prisoners involved
serving their final 6 months in prison.
Two-fifths of State prisoners also
with alcohol or drugs at the time of their
Percent of alcohol-
reported past participation in other
offense. Among alcohol- or drug-
or drug-involved
alcohol or drug abuse programs, such
involved State prisoners, 41% reported
prisoners participating
since admission
as self-help groups, peer counseling,
past treatment, including 15% who had
Time to
Other
and education/awareness programs.
been treated since admission. Among
expected release
Treatment
programs
A quarter of State prisoners had taken
Federal prisoners who had committed
State prisoners
part in such programs since their
their offense under the influence of
Less than 6 months
18.6%
34.0%
admission. Overall, a majority (56%) of
alcohol or drugs, 41% reported past
6-12 months
16.3
32.4
State prisoners had taken part in either
treatment and 17% had been treated
Greater than 1 year
12.6
31.0
substance abuse treatment or other
since admission. About two-thirds of all
Federal prisoners
alcohol and drug programs in the past,
prisoners who committed their offense
Less than 6 months
20.5%
36.9%
under the influence had ever been in
6-12 months
12.5
28.4
and a third had enrolled in either since
Greater than 1 year
10.0
24.2
their admission to prison.
treatment or other abuse programs.
Table 8. Substance abuse treatment history of State and Federal prisoners, by reported prior substance abuse, 1997
Percent of prisoners
Alcohol- or drug-involved
Under the influence of alcohol
Total
prisoners
or drugs at the time of offense
Type of treatment
State
Federal
State
Federal
State
Federal
Ever in any treatment or programs
56.4%
46.4%
64.8%
51.4%
69.3%
66.1%
Any treatment
34.5
24.6
41.5
27.7
46.3
40.6%
Other alcohol/drug programs
43.1
35.4
49.4
39.2
52.5
50.8
Participated while under
correctional supervision
47.8%
39.2%
55.2%
43.5%
59.2%
55.8%
Any treatment
26.2
18.9
31.7
21.3
35.5
30.4
In prison/jail
19.7
15.0
23.9
16.9
27.0
24.6
On probation/parole
15.0
8.4
18.3
9.6
20.6
14.6
Other alcohol/drug programs
37.5
30.9
43.2
34.4
46.2
44.9
In prison/jail
33.3
27.4
38.3
30.5
41.0
40.6
On probation/parole
17.2
10.1
20.5
11.4
22.6
16.1
Participated since admission
32.5%
28.2%
37.7%
31.6%
41.1%
42.7%
Any treatment
12.0
10.4
14.6
11.7
16.7
17.4
Residential facility or unit
6.9
7.3
8.5
8.2
10.1
12.4
Counseling by a professional
5.1
3.8
6.2
4.3
6.9
6.3
Detoxification unit
0.8
0.2
1.0
0.2
1.3
0.3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.2
Other alcohol/drug programs
27.5
23.1
31.9
26.0
34.6
35.2
Self-help group/peer counseling
22.7
11.2
26.7
12.8
29.3
20.5
Education program
12.6
16.8
14.8
18.8
16.2
24.2
Estimated number of prisoners
1,047,933
87,839
806,758
73,103
543,869
29,468
Note: Detail adds to more than total because prisoners may have participated
in more than one type of treatment program.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 9
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Table 9. Drug treatment of State and Federal prisoners since admission, by levels of prior drug use, 1991 and 1997
Percent of prisoners reporting participation
Estimated
Other drug abuse
number of
Drug treatment since admission
program since admission
prisoners. 1997
State
Federal
State
Federal
Level of prior drug use
State
Federal
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
1997
1991
All prisoners
1,048,752
87,720
9.7%
24.5%
9.2%
15.7%
20.3%
15.5%
20.0%
10.1%
Prisoners who used drugs
Ever
870,558
63,979
11.5%
31.1%
12.4%
26.3%
24.0%
19.6%
26.0%
16.9%
Regularly*
729,578
50,244
13.1
33.9
14.5
30.9
26.4
22.2
29.6
20.1
In the month before offense
592,611
39,275
14.6
36.5
15.4
33.7
28.3
23.7
31.7
22.0
At the time of offense
338,481
19,507
18.0
41.0
18.9
39.4
32.2
27.2
38.0
25.4
*Regular use is defined as once a week for at least a month.
Prisoners' participation in drug
Among both State and Federal prison-
1 in 4 prisoners participated in either
treatment dropped since 1991;
ers, enrollment in other drug abuse
drug treatment or other drug abuse
other drug programs grew
programs, such as self-help or peer
programs since admission
groups and drug education classes,
In both State and Federal prisons, the
had gone up over this period. In 1997
In both State and Federal prisons,
percentage of inmates who reported
20% of both State and Federal prison-
about a quarter of all prisoners had
being treated for drug abuse since their
ers reported participation in drug abuse
participated in either drug treatment or
admission dropped since 1991 (table
programs during their current prison
other drug abuse programs since
9). In 1997, 1 in 10 State prisoners
term, up from 16% of State and 10%
admission (table 10). Among specific
reported being treated for drug abuse
of Federal prisoners in 1991. Among
types of programs, more State prison-
since admission; a decrease from the 1
those prisoners who used drugs at the
ers participated in self-help or peer
in 4 prisoners reporting such treatment
time of offense, participation in these
groups (16%) and drug abuse educa-
in 1991. There was also a drop in the
programs had risen to 32% of State
tion classes (10%) than in residential
percentage of Federal prisoners (9%)
and 38% of Federal prisoners in 1997,
treatment (6%) and professional drug
reporting treatment since admission
compared to about 25% of each
abuse counseling (4%).
(16% in 1991).
in 1991.
Compared to State prisoners' reported
Since 1991 fewer prisoners with a drug
These data represent an underestimate
activities, participation in self-help or
abuse history reported drug treatment
of the total number of prisoners who
peer groups was lower among Federal
since admission. Among those prison-
will ultimately receive drug treatment
inmates (9%), while enrollment in drug
ers who had been using drugs in the
during their current prison term. At any
abuse education (15%) was higher
month before the offense, 15% of both
one time the prison population repre-
(table 11). However, Federal prisoners'
State and Federal inmates said they
sents a broad range of inmates, from
participation in either of these programs
had received drug abuse treatment
newly admitted prisoners to those who
still outpaced that of residential treat-
during their current prison term, down
have served as much as a decade or
ment (6%) and professional counseling
from a third of such offenders in 1991.
more in prison. The likelihood of
(3%) programs.
Among those who were using drugs at
receiving substance abuse treatment
the time of offense, about 18% of both
increases as a prisoner's expected
State and Federal prisoners reported
release date approaches (text table,
participation in drug treatment since
page 9). Some of the inmates who did
admission, compared to about 40% in
not report drug abuse treatment since
1991.
admission will receive treatment before
the completion of their prison term.
10 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
Leading the national drug court effort. Since the creation of President Clinton's drug court
initiative in the 1994 Crime Act, the number of drug courts has grown exponentially.
According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the number of drug courts
has increased from 12 in 1994 to more than 400 today. And by the year 2000, it is estimated
that there will be more than 1,000 drug courts throughout the country.
Rigorous testing and sanctions. A recent study by Columbia University's National Center on
Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) concluded that drug courts provide more frequent
drug testing, and closer supervision than other forms of community supervision. In fact, 55%
of drug courts test offenders at least twice weekly, and 35% test offenders at least every week.
Keeping offenders drug- and crime-free. The CASA study also found that drug use and
criminal behavior were substantially reduced while offenders were under drug court
supervision, as well as after leaving the program. For example, only 4% of the drug court
participants in Jackson Country, MO, were rearrested -- as compared to 13% of those in a
control group. And even after leaving the program, drug court participants -- even if they
don't complete the program -- recidivate at rates 4-20% lower than those in control groups.
Challenging Congress to promote coerced abstinence. This past year, two states --
Connecticut and Maryland -- adopted statewide policies of coerced abstinence, and the
President challenged Congress to follow their lead by passing his $85 million drug testing and
intervention initiative. This initiative will allow states and localities to test and treat
probationers, prisoners and parolees.
A strong record promoting coerced abstinence. President Clinton has consistently promoted a
policy of drug testing, sanctions, and treatment for drug offenders. He has required states to
drug test prisoners and parolees as a condition for receiving prison grants; called for drug
testing of federal criminal defendants; expanded testing and treatment in federal prisons; and
proposed allowing states to use federal prison funds for drug detection, testing and treatment.
Halting the Spread of Methamphetamine
Using community policing to combat meth. Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing
Services (COPS) will make nearly $5 million available to jurisdictions with a documented
meth problem. Funds can be used for meth enforcement, intervention, and prevention. The 6
participating cities are: Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; Oklahoma City, OK; Dallas, TX;
Little Rock, AR; and Minneapolis, MN.
An ongoing strategy on methamphetamine. The President fought for and signed a
comprehensive meth strategy that increases penalties for trafficking in meth, and toughens the
penalties for trafficking in the precursor chemicals used in its production. Meth enforcement
remains a top law enforcement priority, and the President's Drug Strategy and Budget call for
$24.5 million to hire 100 new DEA agents to target meth trafficking.
DEC-30-1998
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Among prisoners with past drug
Among those State inmates using
their offense under the influence of
abuse, treatment provided less
drugs at the time of the offense, 18%
drugs, 19% had been treated since
commonly than other programs
had been in drug treatment since
admission, including 14% who had
admission, while 32% had enrolled
been in a residential drug treatment
While drug treatment since admission
in a drug abuse program or group.
program.
was more prevalent among those
Overall, about 40% of these State
prisoners with drug abuse histories,
prisoners had participated in either
As was the case in State prisons, more
more of these inmates had been in
drug treatment or another drug abuse
drug-abusing Federal offenders partici-
other abuse programs. Of those State
program since admission.
pated in other drug abuse programs.
prisoners who used drugs in the month
Among Federal inmates who had used
before the offense, 9% had been in a
Among Federal prisoners with a history
drugs in the month before the offense,
residential treatment facility, and 6%
of drug abuse, the percentage reporting
about 33% had enrolled in programs
had received professional counseling
drug treatment since admission also
such as drug abuse education (24%)
since admission. In comparison, 23%
rose. Of those who had used drugs in
and self-help or peer groups (16%),
of these inmates had joined a self-help
the month before the offense, 15% had
compared to 11% reporting residential
or peer group since admission, and
been treated since admission. Among
treatment. Of those Federal inmates
14% had taken a drug education class.
those Federal prisoners who committed
who were using drugs at the time of
offense, about twice as many reported
enrollment in a drug abuse program
Table 10. Types of drug treatment received by State prisoners
since admission (38%), than partici-
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
pated in drug treatment (19%).
Percent of State prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
Overall, similar percentages of State
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly
prior to offense
of offense
and Federal prisoners reported partici-
Any treatment or program
24.4%
28.8%
31.8%
34.3%
39.3%
pation in either drug abuse treatment
or other programs since admission.
Treatment
9.7%
11.5%
13.1%
14.6%
18.0%
Among those offenders who had ever
Residential facility or unit
5.7
6.7
7.7
8.8
11.3
Professional counseling
4.1
4.9
5.6
6.0
7.1
used drugs, 29% of State and 32% of
Detoxification unit
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.4
Federal prisoners reported taking part
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
in either drug treatment or other
Other programs
20.3%
24.0%
26.4%
28.3%
32.2%
programs since admission. Participa-
Self-help group/peer
tion increased among more serious
counseling
16.1
19.1
21.3
23.1
26.6
drug users and rose to 40% of State
Education
10.2
12.0
13.2
14.1
16.0
and 46% of Federal prisoners who had
Estimated number of
used drugs at the time of offense.
State prisoners
1,047,701
870,558
729,578
592,611
338,481
*Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Table 11. Types of drug treatment received by Federal prisoners
since admission, by prior drug use, 1997
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior drug use
Type of drug treatment or
Ever in
In the month
At the time
program since admission
Total
the past
Regularly*
prior to offense
of offense
Any treatment or program
24.5%
32.1%
36.4%
38.8%
45.8
Treatment
9.2%
12.4%
14.5%
15.4%
18.9
Residential facility or unit
6.5
8.6
10.3
10.9
14.1
Professional counseling
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.5
6.4
Detoxification unit
0.2
0.2
0,3
0.3
0,3
Maintenance drug
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.3
Other programs
20.0%
26.0%
29.6%
31.7%
38.0
Self-help group/peer
counseling
8.9
11.9
14.4
15.8
21.1
Education
15.2
19.6
22.1
23.8
27.5
Estimated number of
Federal prisoners
87,790
63,979
50,244
39,275
19,507
"Used drugs once a week for at least a month.
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 11
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A quarter of State and a fifth of
classes, was higher among both State
About 1 in 6 State and Federal prison-
Federal prisoners received alcohol
(21%) and Federal (17%) prisoners.
ers who met the CAGE criteria for
treatment since admission
alcohol dependence reported taking
Among those prisoners with a history
part in alcohol treatment during their
Since their admission to prison, nearly
of alcohol abuse, participation in
current prison term.
equal percentages of State (8%) and
alcohol treatment was more prevalent.
Federal (7%) prisoners had been
Of those prisoners who reported a
Less than a fifth of alcohol-abusing
treated for alcohol abuse (tables 12
previous alcohol-related physical fight,
prisoners received treatment; about
and 13). Participation in other alcohol
about 14% of both State and Federal
a third enrolled in other programs
abuse programs, such as Alcoholics
prisoners said they had been treated
Anonymous and alcohol education
for alcohol abuse since admission.
Prisoners who had abused alcohol
were less likely to report participation
Table 12. Types of alcohol treatment received by State prisoners
in alcohol treatment than in other abuse
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
programs. Among State prisoners who
committed their offense while drinking,
Percent of State prisoners
more prisoners had enrolled in self-help
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
or peer groups (29%) and alcohol
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
abuse education classes (16%) since
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
admission than had been in residential
since admission
Total
experience"
of drinking
of alcohol
responses
treatment (9%) or professional counsel-
Any treatment or program
24.0%
36.1%
36.6%
38.8%
43.6%
ing (6%). Among those State prisoners
Treatment
8.4%
13.9%
14.4%
14.4%
17.9%
who provided three or more positive
Residential facility or unit
5.0
8.4
8.5
8.7
11.0
CAGE responses, a third had enrolled
Professional counseling
3.5
5.9
6.6
6.3
7.9
in self-help or peer groups alone,
Detoxification unit
0.6
1.0
1.1
1.0
1.6
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
compared to fewer than a fifth who
had been in any kind of alcohol treat-
Other programs
20.6%
30.9%
31.7%
33.7%
37.7%
ment since admission.
Self-help group/peer
counseling
16.9
26.3
26.7
28.8
32.6
Education
9.7
14.3
15.1
15.6
17.5
Federal prisoners with a history of
Estimated number
alcohol abuse also reported greater
of State prisoners
1047701
429,222
401,262
387,137
255,746
participation in alcohol abuse programs
*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
than in alcohol treatment. Among
a fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
those Federal prisoners who had
committed their offense while under the
influence of alcohol, more prisoners
Table 13. Types of alcohol treatment received by Federal prisoners
had enrolled in alcohol education
since admission, by prior alcohol use, 1997
classes (19%) and self-help or peer
groups (18%) since admission than in
Percent of Federal prisoners
Prisoners' reported prior alcohol abuse
residential treatment (10%) or profes-
Ever had
Ever got into
Committed
Had 3 or
sional counseling (5%).
Type of alcohol
a "binge
physical fights
offense under
more posi-
treatment or program
drinking"
because
the influence
tive CAGE
since admission
Total
experience*
of drinking
of alcohol
Overall, the rates of participation in
responses
alcohol treatment and other programs
Any treatment or program
20.3%
36.1%
36.4%
36.0%
41.0%
were fairly equal in State and Federal
Treatment
7.0%
13.8%
14.6%
13.8%
17.5%
prisons. Among those prisoners who
Residential facility or unit
5.0
10.4
11.0
9.6
12.8
were drinking at the time of the offense,
Professional counseling
2.5
4.7
4.8
4.9
6.7
Detoxification unit
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.4
14% of both State and Federal inmates
0.5
Maintenance drug
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.7
said that they had been treated for
alcohol abuse since admission. Also,
Other programs
16.8%
29.8%
30.1%
30.5%
33.9%
Self-help group/peer
similar percentages of State (44%) and
counseling
7.9
16.8
17.6
17.8
19,8
Federal (41%) prisoners who met the
Education
12.0
19.9
20.1
19.3
22.3
CAGE profile for alcohol dependence
Estimated number
had taken part in either alcohol treat-
of Federal prisoners
87,790
26,517
19,937
17,829
14,241
ment or other programs since
"Binge drinking is defined as having consumed in a day as much as
admission.
8 fifth of liquor, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or 3 six-packs of beer.
12 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
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Women, whites more likely to
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners
The rate of treatment of alcohol- or
receive substance abuse treatment
reported enrollment in other substance
drug-involved Federal prisoners varied
since admission to State prison
abuse programs since admission.
little by age. For those inmates in age
groups between 25 and 54, the
Among those State prisoners who
As with alcohol- or drug-involved
percentage who had been treated since
can be described as alcohol- or drug-
offenders in State prisons, whites were
admission only ranged from 12% to
involved offenders, women (56%) were
the most likely of these inmates in
14%, and about 27% of each had
more likely than men (41%) to have
Federal prisons to receive treatment
taken part in other substance abuse
ever been treated for substance abuse
since admission (16%), compared to
programs since admission. Federal
(table 14). A higher percentage of
blacks (12%) and Hispanics (8%).
inmates in both the youngest and
female alcohol- or drug-involved
More whites were also enrolled in other
oldest age groups reported lower
offenders (20%, compared to 14% of
substance abuse programs since
participation in both treatment and
male offenders) also reported being
admission (35%) than other inmates.
other programs.
treated since their admission to prison.
However, equal percentages of men
Table 14. Alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners treated
and women reported participation in a
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
substance abuse program, both in the
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved State prisoners reporting -
past (49%) and since admission (32%).
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
number
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
of State
Since
Since
Slightly higher percentages of white
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
alcohol- or drug-involved State prison-
Total
806,758
41.5%
14.6%
49.4%
31.9%
ers (17%) said they were treated for
substance abuse since admission,
Sex
compared to blacks (13%) and Hispan-
Male
754,418
40.5%
14.2%
49.4%
31.9%
Female
52,340
55.6
19.6
49.3
31.9
ics (12%). Whites were also the only
group of alcohol- or drug-involved
Race/Hispanic origin
prisoners to have a majority report past
White non-Hispanic
271,345
51.8%
17.0%
58.0%
36.3%
Black non-Hispanic
367,331
36.6
13.5
46.7
31.6
substance abuse treatment (52%) or
Hispanic
142,610
33.8
12.5
39.2
23.9
past alcohol or drug programs (58%).
Other
25,472
46.2
16.2
54.2
34.8
Age
The prevalence of substance abuse
24 or younger
158,705
29.3%
10.2%
37.9%
22.6%
treatment among alcohol- or drug-
25-34
316,744
43.1
15.2
50.2
33.1
involved offenders showed little
35-44
242,579
47.4
16.8
54.4
35.5
45-54
71,936
42.4
14.9
53.9
35.5
relationship to age. Similar rates of
55 or older
16,794
36.7
10.1
52.4
31.8
State prisoners in age groups between
25 and 54 reported treatment during
their current sentence (about 1 in 6 of
Table 15. Alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners treated
each) as well as participation in other
for substance abuse, by selected characteristics, 1997
programs (about 1 in 3 of each). Those
Percent of alcohol- or drug-involved Federal prisoners reporting -
alcohol- or drug-involved prisoners 24
Estimated
Treatment for
Participation in other
or younger, and those 55 or older,
number of
substance abuse
substance abuse programs
Federal
Since
Since
reported the lowest incidence of partici-
Characteristic
prisoners
Ever
admission
Ever
admission
pation in substance abuse treatment or
Total
73,103
27.7%
11.7%
39.2%
26.0%
other programs.
Sex
Substance abuse treatment of
Male
67,856
27.6%
11.6%
39.6%
26,1%
Female
5,247
28.8
13.3
34.2
Federal prisoners shows little
25.2
variation by sex or age
Race/Hispanic origin
White non-Hispanic
20,178
39.5%
16.0%
51.6%
34.9%
Black non-Hispanic
28,514
25.7
11.9
39.0
25.0
Among those Federal prisoners charac-
Hispanic
21,185
19.0
8.2
28.1
18.5
terized as alcohol- or drug-involved
Other
3,225
29.1
7.3
38.5
29.1
offenders, similar percentages of men
(12%) and women (13%) said they
Age
24 or younger
6,736
21.8%
8.1%
35.2%
24.0%
received substance abuse treatment
25-34
27,500
27.3
12.5
39.2
26.4
since admission (table 15). About a
35-44
22,634
30.2
12.6
41.9
27.6
45-54
11,074
32.8
quarter of both male and female
13.7
40.8
26.8
55 or older
5,159
15.0
4.5
29.5
17.7
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Methodology
prisons was then selected within strata
preceding answers. Before the inter-
with probabilities proportionate to the
view, inmates were told verbally and in
The U.S. Bureau of the Census'
size of each prison.
writing that participation was voluntary
conducted the 1997 Survey of Inmates
and that all information provided would
in State Correctional Facilities (SISCF)
For the sample of Federal prisons, one
be held in confidence. Participants
for the Bureau of Justice Statistics
male prison and two female prisons
were assured that the survey was
(BJS) and the 1997 Survey of Inmates
were selected with certainty. The
solely for statistical purposes and that
in Federal Correctional Facilities
remaining 112 male facilities were
no individual who participated could be
(SIFCF) for BJS and the Bureau of
classified into 5 strata defined by
identified through use of survey results.
Prisons. From June through October,
security level (high, medium, low,
1997, inmates were interviewed about
minimum, and administrative). The 20
Estimates of prisoner counts
their current offense and sentences,
remaining female facilities were strati-
criminal histories, family and personal
fied into 2 strata by security level
Based on the completed interviews,
backgrounds, gun possession and use,
(administrative and not administrative).
estimates for the entire population were
prior drug and alcohol use and treat-
Within security level, facilities were
developed using weighting factors
ment, educational programs, and other
ordered by size of population and then
derived from the original probability of
services provided while in prison.
selected with probability proportionate
selection in the sample. These factors
Similar surveys of State prison inmates
to size.
were adjusted for variable rates of
were conducted in 1974, 1979, 1986,
nonresponse across strata and
and 1991. Federal inmates were
For the State survey 280 prisons were
inmates' characteristics and offenses.
surveyed for the first time in 1991.
selected, 220 male facilities and 60
The sample for the State survey was
female facilities. Of the 280 facilities 3
adjusted to midyear custody counts for
Sample design
refused to allow interviewing and 2
June 30, 1997, from data obtained in
closed before the survey could be
the National Prisoner Statistics series
The samples for the SISCF and SIFCF
conducted. Overall, 32 male facilities
(NPS-1A). The sample from the
were taken from a universe of 1,409
and 8 female facilities were selected for
Federal facilities was weighted to the
State prisons and 127 Federal prisons
the Federal survey, and all participated.
total known sentenced custody popula-
enumerated in the 1995 Census of
tion at midyear 1997.
State and Federal Adult Correctional
In the second stage, inmates were
Facilities or opened between comple-
selected for interviewing. For State
Excluded from the estimate of Federal
tion of the census and June 30, 1996.
facilities interviewers selected the
inmates were unsentenced inmates
The sample design for both surveys
sample systematically using a random
and those prisoners under Federal
was a stratified two-stage selection;
start and a total number of interviews
jurisdiction but housed in State and
first, selecting prisons, and second,
based upon the size and sex of the
private contract facilities. Those
selecting inmates in those prisons.
facility. For the Federal facilities, a
prisoners who were under State juris-
sample of inmates was selected for
diction, yet held in local jails or private
In the first stage correctional facilities
each facility from the Bureau of Prisons
facilities, were excluded from the
were separated into two sampling
central list, using a random start and
estimated number of State prisoners.
frames: one for prisons with male
predetermined sampling interval. All
As a result, the estimated prisoner
inmates and one for prisons with
selected drug offenders were then
counts do not match those in other
female inmates. Prisons holding both
subsampled so that only a third were
BJS data series.
sexes were included on both lists.
eligible for interview. As a result,
approximately 1 in every 75 men and
The estimated prisoner counts vary
In the sampling of State facilities, the
1 in 17 women were selected for the
according to the particular data items
13 largest male prisons and 17 largest
State survey, and 1 in every 13 men
analyzed. Estimates are based on the
female prisons were selected with
and 1 in every 3 women were selected
number of prisoners who provided
certainty. The remaining 1,265 male
for the Federal survey. A total of
information on selected items. (See
facilities and 261 female facilities were
14,285 interviews were completed for
appendix table 1 for level of missing
stratified into 14 strata defined by
the State survey and 4,041 for the
data on current offense.)
census region (Northeast except New
Federal survey, for overall response
York, New York, Midwest, South except
rates of 92.5% in the State survey and
Accuracy of the estimates
Texas, Texas, West except California,
90.2% in the Federal survey.
and California). Within each stratum
The accuracy of the estimates
facilities were ordered by facility type
The interviews, about an hour in length,
presented in this report depends on
(confinement and community-based),
used computer-assisted personal inter-
two types of error: sampling and
security level (maximum, medium,
viewing (CAPI). With CAPI, computers
nonsampling. Sampling error is the
minimum, and none), and size of
provide questions for the interviewer,
variation that may occur by chance
population. A systematic sample of
including follow-up questions tailored to
because a sample rather than a
14 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
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complete enumeration of the population
was conducted. Nonsampling error
Appendix table 1. Current offense of sentenced State and Federal prisoners,
can be attributed to many sources,
1991 and 1997
such as nonresponses, differences in
State
Federal
the interpretation of questions among
Type of offense
1991
1997
1991
1997
inmates, recall difficulties, and process-
Violent
46.6%
47.4%
17.3%
14.8%
ing errors. In any survey the full extent
Property
24.8
22.0
10.2
6.8
of the nonsampling error is never
Drug
21.3
20.7
57.9
62.7
Public-order
6.8
9.6
12.4
14.7
known. The sampling error, as
Other
0.4
0.2
2.2
1.1
measured by an estimated standard
Note: In 1991 current offense data were available for 99.4% of sentenced State prisoners and
error, varies by the size of the estimate
99.4% of sentenced Federal prisoners. In 1997 current offense data were available for 98.8%
of sentenced State prisoners and 98.8% of sentenced Federal prisoners.
and the size of the base population.
The offense distribution of State
property (7%) offenders had declined
Estimates of the standard errors have
prisoners in the 1997 survey was
slightly since 1991 (17% and 10%,
been calculated for the 1997 surveys.
largely unchanged from that of the
respectively), while the percentage of
(See appendix tables 2 and 3). For
1991 survey. The percentage of
drug (63
nd public-order offenders
example, the 95-percent confidence
property offenders had decreased
(15%) h
an since 1991 (58% and
interval around the percentage of State
slightly since 1991 (from 25% to 22%),
12%, respectively).
inmates who ever used drugs is
while the percentage of public-order
approximately 83.0% plus or minus
offenders had risen slightly (from 7%
For an offense distribution of the
1.96 times 0.4% (or 82.2.% to 83.8%).
to 10%). Among Federal prisoners the
complete enumeration of Federal
offense distribution displayed more
prisoners, refer to Compendium of
These standard errors may also be
change since the 1991 survey. The
Federal Justice Statistics (volumes
used to test the significance of the
percentage of violent (15%) and
1991 through 1996).
difference between two sample statis-
tics by pooling the standard errors of
Appendix table 2. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
the two sample estimates. For
State prison inmates, 1997
example, the standard error of the
difference between black and white
Base of
Estimated percentages
State prison inmates for the percent
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
reporting a binge drinking experience
5,000
2.2
3.4
4.7
6.3
7.2
7.9
10,000
1.6
2.4
3.3
4.5
5.1
5.6
would be 1.2% (or the square root of
25,000
1.0
1.5
2.1
2.8
3.2
3.5
the sum of the squared standard errors
50,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
2.5
for each group). The 95-percent confi-
100,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
250,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
dence interval around the difference
500,000
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
would be 1.96 times 1.2% (or 2.4%).
750,000
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
Since the difference of 21.6% (53.5%
1,000,000
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
1,059,607
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.5
minus 31.9%) is greater than 2.4%, the
difference would be considered statisti-
cally significant.
Appendix table 3. Standard errors of the estimated percentages,
Federal prison inmates, 1997
The same procedure can be used to
Base of
Estimated percentages
test the significance of the difference
the estimate
98 or 2
95 or 5
90 or 10
80 or 20
70 or 30
50
between estimates from the two
500
3.9
6.1
8.4
11.1
12.8
13.9
surveys. For example, the standard
1,000
2.8
4.3
5.9
7.9
9.0
9.8
5,000
1,2
1.9
2.6
3.5
4.0
4.4
error of the difference between Federal
15,000
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.0
2.3
2.5
and State prison inmates for the
30,000
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.6
1.8
percent reporting prior drug use would
45,000
0.4
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.3
1.5
60,000
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.3
be 1.1%. The 95-percent confidence
80,000
0.3
0.5
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
interval around the difference would be
89,072
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.96 times 1.1% (or 2.1%). Since the
difference of 10.1% (83.0% minus
All comparisons discussed in this report
inmates. These standard errors
were statistically significant at the
72.9%) is greater than 2.1%, the differ-
should be used only for tests on all
95-percent confidence level. To test
ence would be considered statistically
inmates. Comparisons of male and
the significance of comparisons not
significant.
female inmates require different
mentioned in this report, use percent-
standard errors.
ages in text or tables and numbers of
Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997 15
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202 514 2504 P.20/20
The Bureau of Justice Statistics
Data collection and processing were
This report and others from the
is the statistical agency of the
carried out at the Demographic
Bureau of Justice Statistics are avail-
U.S. Department of Justice.
Surveys Division, U.S. Bureau of the
able through the Internet -
Jan M. Chaiken, Ph.D., is Director.
Census, by La Terri Bynum, Elizabeth
Griffin, Marita Perez, and Laami Verdo-
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
BJS Special Reports address a
lin under the supervision of Kathleen
specific topic in depth from one or
Creighton and Gertrude Odom and by
The data from the 1997 Surveys of
more datasets that cover many topics.
Christopher Alaura and Lawrence
Inmates in State and Federal Correc-
Altmayer under the supervision of
tional Facilities are available from the
Christopher J. Mumola wrote this report
Stephen Phillips and David Watt.
National Archive of Criminal Justice
under the supervision of Allen J. Beck.
Data, maintained by the Institute for
Melvinda Pete and Doris James Wilson
The questionnaire was programmed
Social Research at the University of
provided statistical assistance. Tom
by Ellen Soper of the Technologies
Michigan, 1-800-999-0960. The
Hester edited the report. Marilyn
Management Office under the supervi-
archive may also be accessed
Marbrook, assisted by Yvonne Boston,
sion of William Mockovak. Sample
through the BJS Internet site. The
prepared the report for publication.
design and weighting were provided at
file number for the surveys is
the Statistical Methods Division by
ICPSR 2598.
Caroline Wolf Harlow developed the
Denise Lewis and Andrew Zbikowski
survey questionnaire and monitored
under the supervision of J. Michael
data collection, data processing, and
Roebuck and Thomas Moore. Inter-
production of weights. Christopher
views were conducted by the Field
Innes, assisted by Susan Allison,
Division and coordinated by Medell
Denise Golumbaski, Nancy Miller,
Ford III and John Godenick under the
Vicki Russell, Allyson Suski, and Ina
supervision of Richard Ning.
Winn at the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
developed the sample of Federal
December 1998, NCJ 172871
inmates and coordinated data
collection in Federal facilities.
16 Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997
TOTAL P.20