Problem gambling and substance use disorders are common among people in prison. In this study, the researchers looked at whether the risk factors differ for problem gambling, lifetime drug use, and lifetime alcohol use problems among 527 adult convict prisoners in Finland. This study used data collected between 2020 and 2022, as part of a larger study on health and wellbeing among people in prison.
Problem gambling was associated with a higher likelihood of committing theft or property crimes than other crimes. Having a higher number of borderline personality traits was related to both problem gambling and alcohol use problems. Having a higher number of antisocial personality traits was related to both drug use and alcohol use problems. Screening for personality disorders could be an important tool for reducing the risks of addictive behaviours among people in prison.
