Unit 3 Substance Misuse Among Inmates PDF

Unit 3 Substance Misuse Among Inmates Lesson 1 Substance Misuse Among Inmates Lesson Goal You will be able to monitor inmates with substance misuse issues. Think About This Some of the inmates in your facility will have substance use disorder or drug addiction issues. As they may be new to the...

Unit 3 Substance Misuse Among Inmates Lesson 1 Substance Misuse Among Inmates Lesson Goal You will be able to monitor inmates with substance misuse issues. Think About This Some of the inmates in your facility will have substance use disorder or drug addiction issues. As they may be new to the facility, inmates may be going through the withdrawal and detoxification process. These issues can compromise the inmate’s safety, health, and well-being while under your supervision. Having a solid understanding of what these symptoms look like and how to respond will better prepare you to supervise these types of inmates. Definition Substance use disorder or drug addiction covers a range of conditions and practices and can include the use of alcohol, narcotics, or prescription medication, or the use of any drug without medical justification. ✅ CO731.1. Know the difference between substance misuse and drug addiction Substance misuse (also known as substance abuse) is a pattern of substance use that leads to significant impairment or distress as displayed by at least one of the following behaviors: failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home repeated substance use in situations that are physically hazardous, such as driving a car frequent substance use-related legal problems persistent or repeated social or interpersonal problems caused by the effects of the substance, such as domestic violence Not everyone who uses substances develops an addiction; however, many suffering from substance misuse tend to develop drug addiction, which is the consistent and excessive use of a substance despite its negative consequences. Drugs change the structure of the brain and how it works, and these changes can be long-lasting and lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors. Signs and Symptoms As an officer, you should be aware of and look out for the signs and symptoms of substance misuse and drug addiction. 210 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 ✅ CO731.2. Know the physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of an inmate with substance misuse issues The following are some physical and health-related signs of substance misuse: bloodshot eyes or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal frequent nosebleeds changes in appetite or sleep patterns sudden weight loss or weight gain seizures without a history of epilepsy a decline in personal grooming or appearance unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination Inmates may display the following behavioral signs of substance misuse: silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors sudden change in relationships frequently getting into arguments, fights, and accidents Inmates may display the following psychological signs of substance misuse: unexplained changes in personality or attitude sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts, or laughing at nothing periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation a lack of motivation; an inability to focus, appearing lethargic or “spaced out” appearing fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid with no apparent reason Inmates who are going through the process of detoxification, or ridding their bodies of a drug, may experience symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal from some substances, such as alcohol, opiates, and tranquilizers, produces a physical withdrawal. Some substances, such as cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy, produce a more emotional withdrawal. Every person with addiction issues has a different physical and emotional withdrawal pattern. Treat acute withdrawal symptoms as a medical emer- gency and immediately notify your supervisor and medical staff. Chapter 7 Supervising Special Populations / 211 ✅ CO731.3. Know the physical, emotional, and acute symptoms of substance withdrawal that an inmate may experience during the detoxification process Emotional Withdrawal Acute Withdrawal Physical Withdrawal Symptoms Symptoms Symptoms sweating anxiety grand mal seizures racing heart restlessness heart attacks palpitations irritability strokes muscle tension insomnia hallucinations tightness in the chest headaches delirium tremens difficulty breathing poor concentration (DTs), violent tremors tremor depression nausea, vomiting, diarrhea social isolation mood swings fatigue Withdrawal symptoms may last several days to several weeks. Treating the symptoms of with- drawal with medications treats only the symptoms and is not the same as treating the addiction. Monitoring Agencies should screen all inmates to identify substance misuse, determine the severity of the substance misuse, and provide the appropriate drug treatment program or rehabilitation service for drug addiction treatment. Services include prevention, outpatient treatment, intensive outpa- tient treatment, and aftercare services as well as education and vocational services. ✅ CO731.4. Know the housing considerations for an inmate with substance misuse issues Inmates who misuse substances have a high potential to hurt themselves by banging their heads on hard objects, biting or hitting themselves, or attacking others. Their behavior can be unpredictable; they may be calm one moment, unstable the next, and will need increased monitoring and observa- tion to ensure their safety. This may include a shift in housing or management that places an inmate in an environment that is more favorable to preventing self-harm and may also include the restric- tion of personal property and facility-provided items until the person has been assessed by medical personnel. When a physician, practitioner, or other medical personnel determines that an inmate no longer poses a threat to themselves or others, that inmate can relocate to the general population. ✅ CO731.5. Know your role when monitoring an inmate participating in a court-ordered drug treatment program If an inmate is court-ordered into a drug treatment program, allow every opportunity for them to attend the program. Increase the number of inmate searches to discourage them from intro- ducing contraband into the housing area. Document any refusal, denial, or lack of attendance at a treatment program. 212 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1