Double trouble : the relationship between substance abuse and psychiatric/personality disorders in an incarcerated population

Abstract

The awareness of the presence of dual diagnosis has become common in the incarcerated population. However, this issue has not been explored systematically in Malta, therefore this dissertation concentrated on the male, incarcerated population who were residents at the Substance Abuse Therapeutic Unit (SA TU) from the year 2003 to date. The study aimed at investigating whether there is any association between having a dual diagnosis and personal/demographic characteristics; and whether having a more severe substance abuse dependence increased the likelihood of a dual diagnosis occurring. Results showed that 52 out of the 71 residents had a dual diagnosis and persons with a dual diagnosis had a more severe substance use disorder. The dually diagnosed clients have higher levels of denial and therefore were less likely to admit their situation. They also took an indifferent and detached attitude towards the initial testing when being admitted into treatment. This is suggestive of lack of motivation and the prognosis is that this will result into poorer treatment outcomes.