Fisheries and Marine Institute, School of Maritime Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
Department of Criminal Justice, The University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada.
Int J Prison Health (2024). 2024 Aug 27;20(3):327-343. doi: 10.1108/IJOPH-12-2023-0084.
The correctional system continues to face challenges with responding to and managing methamphetamine use among incarcerated individuals. This study aims to uncover what resources and policies could better help correctional workers deal with these challenges. The authors also examined methamphetamine's impact on correctional work and staff well-being.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: An online survey was distributed to correctional workers ( = 269) in Manitoba, Canada, featuring questions about their experiences related to methamphetamine use in populations under their care, what supports are needed to adequately address the concern, and the potential effects on self and their occupational responsibilities. Using NVivo software, survey responses were analysed using an emergent theme approach.
Correctional workers believed policies and protocols for managing methamphetamine use and withdrawal are currently inadequate. Correctional workers reported having monthly contact with incarcerated individuals experiencing methamphetamine withdrawal, posing safety concerns to them and other incarcerated individuals. Respondents proposed more education and training on managing incarcerated people withdrawing from methamphetamines, related to the symptoms of use and withdrawal and how to support persons detoxing. Increased human and material resources were reported as being needed (e.g. more nurses onsite and better screening devices). Respondents also desired more medical intervention, safe living spaces for methamphetamine users and programming to support addiction.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The current study unpacks correctional workers' perspectives, support desires and their experiences managing methamphetamine use amongst incarcerated people. The authors discuss the required knowledge to respond to gaps in prison living, re-entry and related policy needs.
惩教系统在应对和管理被监禁者的甲基苯丙胺使用方面仍然面临挑战。本研究旨在揭示哪些资源和政策可以更好地帮助惩教工作者应对这些挑战。作者还研究了甲基苯丙胺对惩教工作和工作人员福祉的影响。
设计/方法/方法：向加拿大马尼托巴省的惩教工作者（= 269）分发了一份在线调查，其中包含有关他们在受监管人群中与甲基苯丙胺使用相关的经验、解决这一问题所需的支持以及对自我和职业责任的潜在影响的问题。使用 NVivo 软件，采用新兴主题方法对调查回复进行了分析。
惩教工作者认为管理甲基苯丙胺使用和戒断的政策和协议目前不足。惩教工作者报告说，他们每月都会与经历甲基苯丙胺戒断的被监禁者接触，这对他们和其他被监禁者的安全构成了威胁。受访者提议提供更多关于管理从甲基苯丙胺戒断的被监禁者的教育和培训，包括使用和戒断的症状以及如何支持戒毒的人。需要更多的人力和物力资源，例如更多的现场护士和更好的筛查设备。受访者还希望提供更多的医疗干预、为甲基苯丙胺使用者提供安全的生活空间和支持成瘾的项目。
原创性/价值：目前的研究揭示了惩教工作者对管理被监禁者甲基苯丙胺使用的看法、支持愿望和经验。作者讨论了应对监狱生活、重返社会和相关政策需求方面差距所需的知识。
