This article focuses on substance abuse among the population of incarcerated women. The authors note drug use is the top reason women enter the penal system and also the largest problem inside of it. As the prison population of women increases, problems that plague mens prisons such as gang violence and overcrowding become more prevalent as well. Another development I will use in my research is that women in prison are twice as likely to have HIV than imprisoned men.
Also very alarming is the fact that article describes the typical female inmate as a young, poor woman of color. The incarceration rate of these females is rising by the day and over half involve alcohol or prescription drug violations. Most women are already suffering from some form of substance abuse before being arrested, though many will not seek counseling or support in prison even if offered. Due to the men making up 90% of the total prison population, treatment and aftercare studies are rarely done for women. I believe more research should be dedicated to female prisoners so that they can access the same types of specialized treatments and assistance that is offered to everybody else, especially concerning inmates who are suffering from a substance addiction.
JR
http://www.journalofsubstanceabusetreatment.com/article/S0740-5472(97)00319-X/abstract