Drugs and imprisonment : identifying the effects of imprisonment on ex-drug dependents and its implications for relapse

Abstract

The main aim of this dissertation is to identify the effects of imprisonment on ex-drug dependents and its implications for relapse. Despite the imminent attempt to alleviate drug usage in correctional facilities, the criminal judicial system currently used in the Maltese Islands is not addressing issues of debate as one would expect. Consequently such system is being assessed as inadequate for the effective continuation of the rehabilitation process of persons clean from drugs. An extensive amount of empirical information initiates the reader to get familiar with subjects dealing primarily with legislation, policies and practices, correctional facilities and rehabilitation. Through the analysis of correctional facilities and rehabilitation settings, provided by social welfare professionals and ex-drug dependents, the researcher was able to identify that a rehabilitation centre generates a more positive approach in relation to the rehabilitation of drug dependents. Apart from the environment setting, this study also identifies a list of factors which contribute to relapse of ex-drug dependents upon incarceration. The study evidently indicates a need for several amendments in the current criminal judicial system and foresees an improvement in social welfare treatments given in correctional facilities. Such modifications would not only reduce relapse for ex-drug dependents, but also facilitate the life of inmates during incarceration and assist first time offenders to reduce recidivism.