Impulsivity and Alcohol and Other Drugs Among Adult Inmates: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Objective: A substantial proportion of the incarcerated population is imprisoned for substance-related offenses, including illegal possession and drug-induced violent crimes. Given this context, this study aimed to investigate, through a systematic review of the literature, the relationship between impulsivity and the use of alcohol and other drugs among incarcerated adults, considering the contributions of cognitive neuroscience to understanding this association in populations characterized by deviant behavior.

Methods: This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examined 547 studies retrieved from PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science.

Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were selected for full analysis. The findings revealed a significant association between impulsivity and a history of substance use, especially in cases involving higher levels of consumption. Low educational attainment was also a prevalent characteristic among the analyzed samples.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of prevention and intervention strategies that integrate neuropsychological and educational components as fundamental elements of treatment and social reintegration efforts.