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        Novel Psychoactive Substances in Custodial Settings : A Mixed Method Investigation on the Experiences of People in Prison and Professionals Working With Them

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        Author
        Corazza, Ornella
        Coloccini, Sara
        Marrinan, Shanna
        Vigar, Mike
        Watkins, Caryl
        Zene, Cosimo
        Negri, Attilio
        Aresti, Andreas
        Darke, Sacha
        Rinaldi, Raffaella
        Metastasio, Antonio
        Bersani, Giuseppe
        Attention
        2299/23092
        Abstract
        Introduction: Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), especially Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs), pose a substantial challenge to health and the security of the prison environment. This study analyses the phenomenon from the perspective of people in prison and that of professionals working with them. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to analyze self-reported experiences with ‘Spice’ (NPS) among users in prison. A semi-structured questionnaire was also disseminated among professionals working in these settings to better understand (a) the impact of NPS on their work; (b) perceived issues on safety in their working environment; (c) approaches used to tackle the phenomenon and best practices. Results: Psychotic events resulting from the collected Spice accounts (5) were marked by hallucinations, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. Other emerging elements included fear, paranoia, inability to be with others, mistrust, breakdown and other risky behaviors. Overall, 186 responses from prison staff were collected across the country. 67% claimed NPS to have had a deep impact on their work as they commonly witnessed espisodes involving outbursts of anger, slurred speech, hallucinations, psychosis, and significant mental deterioration among those in prison. Some 91% have witnessed aggression at least once, with 53% experiencing direct harm. Suggested interventions included enhanced training and education (84%), improved detection (92%) and treatment and support services (93%). Conclusions: Findings highlight the urgent need for joint multi-disciplinary efforts to tackle the exponential escalation of NPS in prisons as well as to facilitate the recovery and societal reintegration of those affected. Phenomenology can be recommended as a valuable methods to study drug induced experiences.
        Publication date
        2020-05-26
        Published in
        Frontiers in Psychiatry
        Published version
        https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00460
        License
        http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
        Other links
        http://hdl.handle.net/2299/23092
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