A new study led by a B.C. criminology professor says people jailed in the province who have addiction and mental health issues are at high risk of being reincarcerated within a few years of being released. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A new study led by a criminology professor in British Columbia has revealed that individuals incarcerated in the province who struggle with addiction and mental health problems are at a significantly elevated risk of returning to jail within a few years of being released.
Amanda Butler, an assistant professor of criminology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, conducted the study. According to her findings, former inmates grappling with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues are more likely to end up back behind bars compared to those without such challenges.
Published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior, the study indicates that a staggering 72 percent of individuals dealing with both substance abuse and mental health disorders were reincarcerated within three years of their release.
Butler explained in an interview on Thursday that upon release from provincial jails, many individuals struggle to secure adequate housing or employment opportunities. Moreover, incarcerating individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues often exacerbates their conditions, she added.
She emphasized that substance abuse disorders serve as strong predictors of reoffending and subsequent reincarceration. However, the current corrections system fails to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Butler highlighted that the Canadian corrections system predominantly focuses on denunciation, deterrence, and retribution, rather than addressing the root causes of criminality. While it aims to reduce crime and ensure public safety, it often overlooks the social determinants of health and crime that overlap considerably.
The study, based on data collected by BC Corrections from 13,109 individuals released from provincial jails between October 2012 and September 2014, underscores the need for comprehensive treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders to mitigate the risk of reincarceration.
According to the study, 70 percent of former inmates with substance abuse disorders alone were reincarcerated within a few years of release. Butler pointed out that the correctional system operates in isolation from the health and social services sector, which could play a crucial role in addressing offenders' health needs and reducing recidivism.
Butler's research also sheds light on the inadequate treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders within correctional facilities. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing effective interventions to address these issues and prevent recidivism.
Overall, the study found that 61 percent of released inmates were reincarcerated within three years, with those suffering from both addiction and mental health disorders facing a significantly higher risk of reincarceration.
Butler stressed that behind each statistic lies a human story, highlighting the suffering experienced by individuals failed by various systems throughout their lives. She emphasized the need for a more holistic approach to corrections that prioritizes rehabilitation and addresses the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior.
