title: Trends and correlates of substance use disorders among probationers and parolees in the United States 2002-2014.
abstract: Substance use and crime/recidivism are irrevocably linked. We explore the nuances of this association by highlighting the prevalence, trends, and correlates of substance use dsorders in a large group of probationers/parolees.
  
  
  
  We examined SUDs among probationers and parolees in the United States using data from the National Study on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Logistic regression models were computed to examine eight distinct outcomes: alcohol abuse, illicit drug abuse, marijuana/hashish abuse, comorbid alcohol and illicit drug abuse, alcohol dependence, illicit drug dependence, marijuana/hashish dependence, and comorbid alcohol and illicit drug dependence.
  
  
  
  Probationers/parolees have high prevalence rates across all SUDs categories and these trends have been relatively constant. Prevalence rates for alcohol abuse and dependence are two to six times higher than for marijuana and other illicit drug abuse and dependence. Key correlates of substance abuse for probationers/parolees include: age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, risk propensity, crime/violence measures, and comorbid substance abuse. Similar correlates were found for substance dependence, in addition to employment and mental health treatment.
  
  
  
  This study indicates that SUDs are higher among probationer/parolees as compared to their non-supervised counterparts - between four and nine times higher - and these levels have changed little in recent years. Effectively responding to SUDs in this population may enhance adherence to supervision requirements, prevent recidivism, and improve public safety. We may be better served using limited funds for further development of evidence-based policies and programs, such as drug courts, which demonstrate reductions in both drug use and recidivism.
authors: Criminology & Criminal Justice Program, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Tegeler Hall, 3550 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, United States. Electronic address: nfearn@slu.edu.
authors: Noelle E
authors: NE
authors: Fearn
authors: School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Tegeler Hall, 3550 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103, United States. Electronic address: mvaughn9@slu.edu.
authors: Michael G
authors: MG
authors: Vaughn
authors: Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States. Electronic address: nelsonej@slu.edu.
authors: Erik J
authors: EJ
authors: Nelson
authors: School of Social Work, Boston University, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Electronic address: cpsw@bu.edu.
authors: Christopher P
authors: CP
authors: Salas-Wright
authors: Criminal Justice Studies, Iowa State University, 203A East Hall, Ames, IA 50011 United States. Electronic address: delisi@iastate.edu.
authors: Matt
authors: M
authors: DeLisi
authors: Department of Epidemiology, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.
authors: Zhengmin
authors: Z
authors: Qian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057216:Propensity Score; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Parolees; Probationers; Substance use disorders