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What drugs do prisoners use?

Published in Prisoner Drug Use 3 mins read

Prisoners commonly use a range of illicit substances, with data indicating regular use of cocaine/crack, heroin/opiates, and methamphetamines. Beyond these primary categories, specific hallucinogens are also noted.

Common Illicit Substances in Correctional Facilities

The landscape of drug use within correctional facilities mirrors broader societal trends but also reflects the availability and demand within the prison environment. The most frequently identified substances include various stimulants, opioids, and certain hallucinogens.

Drug Category Specific Drugs Commonly Used Characteristics
Stimulants Cocaine (including crack), Methamphetamines, Amphetamines Drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy, but can also cause rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
Opioids Heroin, Other Opiates Highly addictive pain-relieving drugs that can cause euphoria and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Hallucinogens LSD, PCP, Ecstasy Substances that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, potentially causing hallucinations.

Broader Categories of Drug Use

Understanding the specific types of drugs used provides a clearer picture of substance use challenges among incarcerated populations.

Stimulants

This category includes powerful central nervous system stimulants such as methamphetamines and related amphetamines. These drugs are known for their high potential for abuse and dependence, leading to increased energy, focus, and sometimes paranoia or aggression. Cocaine, including its freebase form, crack, is also a highly addictive stimulant frequently used. Learn more about stimulants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Opioids

Heroin and various other opiates fall under this category. Opioids are highly addictive substances derived from the opium poppy or synthesized chemically, known for their pain-relieving and euphoric effects. Their use carries a significant risk of overdose and severe withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. For more information on opioids, visit NIDA's opioid section.

Hallucinogens

Prisoners also use hallucinogenic substances that significantly alter perception and consciousness. Specific examples include LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), PCP (phencyclidine), and ecstasy (MDMA). These drugs can induce a range of effects from visual and auditory hallucinations to altered states of mood and thought. Further details on hallucinogens are available from NIDA.

Addressing Substance Use and Dependence

The prevalence of drug use among prisoners often correlates with histories of drug dependence or abuse. A notable percentage of incarcerated individuals have participated in drug treatment programs. For instance, approximately 26% of prisoners and 19% of jail inmates engaged in a drug treatment program since their admission to the current facility, highlighting the widespread issue of substance use disorder within correctional populations and the ongoing efforts to address it.