Substance use frequency, device-sharing, and used substances in Canadian prisons: results from Correctional Service Canada's National Health Survey.

Abstract

Purpose: Using data from Correctional Service Canada's 2022 National Health Survey, this study aims to estimate the frequency of substance use and related behaviours in federal Canadian prisons.

Design/methodology/approach: Participants (N = 413) were incarcerated persons who understood French or English, had been continuously incarcerated for six months before the study's launch, consented to participate and reported substance use within the previous six months while in federal prison. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire about institutional substance use.

Findings: Among people who smoked substances (78.2%), the largest proportion reported smoking every day and using marijuana. Just over one-half (51.0%) "never" shared (or did not know if they shared) smoking equipment with others. Among those who snorted substances (63.0%), the largest proportion reported snorting one to three days a week and using bupropion. Just under one-half (49.2%) "sometimes" or "always" shared their snorting device with others. Among those who injected substances (12.3%), the largest proportion reported injecting one to three days a week or less than one day a month and using methamphetamine. Nearly four-fifths (58.8%) shared their needle.

Originality/value: This study provides updated estimates of substance use among people who are incarcerated in Canadian federal prisons. Furthermore, this study provides the frequency of substance use, the most used substance types and device sharing information across three different ingestion methods, which has not been done previously.