It's vital to Rehabilitate Prisoners with Mental Illness, SUD Guidelines

The rate of occurrence of mental disorders is quite high among individuals who have not
addressed their substance use disorders (SUD), or are in substance abuse treatment
programs. Due to the increased prevalence of substance abuse in prisons, there is an
increased risk of mental health issues among inmates. In addition, the inmates with mental
disorders are more likely to develop the problem of SUD.
Rather than undergoing treatment, inmates often face neglect. After their release, the
problem exacerbates due to the lack of resources, stigma and costly treatment. The rate of
incarceration in the United States has been on the rise for decades. The incarceration rate per
100,000 stood at 161 in 1972, which jumped to 767 in 2007. In 2012, the number of prisoners
had risen to 2.23 million, making the incarceration rate in the U.S. one of the highest in the
world.
A 2015 Urban Institute
Report has described
the prevalence of
mental disorders
among inmates across
the prisons in the U.S.
On the one hand about
55 percent of male
inmates were
diagnosed with a
mental illness, on the
other hand 73 percent
of female inmates
were diagnosed with a
mental illness.
Unfortunately, only
one in three state prisoners and one in six jail inmates receive treatment. These figures
suggest that more than half of those incarcerated are coping with mental disorders, such as
depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, etc.
Termination of services dissuade successful integration and recovery of former inmates
Physical and mental health problems are more common among incarcerated individuals.
More than two-thirds of jail detainees and half of prison inmates have been identified with
an SUD. Owing to the increased emphasis of the U.S. criminal justice system on the
correctional methods in the wake of incarceration of a large number of people each year, the
focus is increasingly shifting away from treating inmates towards punitive measures, such as
mandatory sentencing, no-knock warrants, etc.

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In addition to SUD or mental disorders, many imprisoned individuals have to cope with co-
occurring disorders. After their arrest, some of the inmates with mental health issues or SUD
do receive some treatment through the justice system; however, following the release from
prisons, they lose access to these services from both within and outside the justice system.
Generally, they lose their health insurance benefits and services, along with their eligibility to
apply for a loan, housing or even a simple job after their release from the prison. Due to their
criminal record and termination of access to mental health services and social support, many
of these individuals end up homeless, turning up in emergency rooms. Oftentimes, they are
rearrested due to their relapsing to criminal activities. These factors significantly contribute
to the victimization and stigmatization of these individuals and their disorders, barring them
from a successful transition from prison to the normal lives.
Changing attitudes could usher in a new era of helping inmates
However, many experts in the justice, behavioral health and public policy fields are now
strongly endorsing the fact that incarcerated individuals with mental, substance use and co-
occurring disorders would do better with appropriate treatment and services. Breaking
through the old lock emup attitude, this new approach will assist ex-inmates in regaining
control of their lives.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released
the Guidelines for Successful Transition of People with Mental or Substance Use Disorders from Jail
and Prison: Implementation Guide for smoother transitioning of ex-inmates with mental,
substance, and co-occurring disorders. The elements of this guideline have already yielded
favorable results after implementation in areas such as Allegheny County, PA; Franklin
County, MA; etc.
Support for inmates
Individuals who return to their communities after serving terms in prisons may witness
problems in accessing health services, medications, etc. required for recovery. Such additional
support systems can assist them in a smoother transition to the normal life. Limited or no
access to mental health or addiction treatment services can significantly increase their risk of
exacerbating their conditions.
If you or your loved one is battling the symptoms of mental disorders, it is important to seek
help. The California Mental Health Helpline assists in accessing the best mental health
facilities in California. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number 855-559-3923 to know more about
the mental health treatment options near you.

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