Solitary confinement and post-release drug and alcohol test failure among formerly incarcerated men on parole in Pennsylvania (2010–2023)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the relationship between solitary confinement (23-hours per day in-cell with restricted movement and isolation) and illicit drug and alcohol test failure during parole supervision. Methods: We used administrative data on all formerly incarcerated men on parole in Pennsylvania (n = 74,478), 2010–2023. We used a series of regression analyses to examine the relationship between solitary confinement and illicit drug and alcohol test failure and heterogeneity across those classified as having severe levels of substance use disorders. Results: Solitary confinement was positively associated with test failure during parole for those without (O.R. = 1.080; 95 % CI = 1.027–1.135) and for those with a history of severe substance use disorders (O.R. = 1.263; 95 % CI = 1.192–1.339). The odds of test failure within one month were also higher for individuals who experienced solitary confinement (O.R. = 1.331; 95 % CI = 1.221–1.450). Conclusions: Taken with previous research, our findings suggest solitary confinement modestly increases the risk of illicit drug and alcohol use and re-criminalization among those on parole and especially among those with existing substance use issues.