Alcohol Use in Forensic Mental Health and Criminal Justice Settings

Abstract

For those within secure settings such as forensic mental health services and the criminal justice system (CJS), problematic alcohol use is known to have higher prevalence rates compared to the general population. While assessment and treatment options for alcohol problems exist, research and funding tend to disproportionately focus on illicit drug use. Managing problematic alcohol use can be complex and challenging within secure settings, particularly at points of discharge or release. Therefore, it is important to ensure services provide robust assessment and effective, ethical, person-centred treatment approaches (which include family members where possible) to help individuals manage their alcohol use and recovery. This chapter will provide a brief overview of assessment and some of the alcohol treatment options available in secure settings. It will also engage in discussion around working with families and outline some of the complexities, challenges and ethical considerations when supporting individuals with alcohol use problems.