Examination of Impulsivity and Contemplation Differences in Incarcerated Opiate Users versus Other Substance Users

Opiate addiction is widespread across the country and yet it is a treatable disease. Incarcerated men and women were screened upon commitment to a jail in Rhode Island about their substance use history. Of the 432 individuals screened, 430 survey responses were used in this study. Opiate users accounted for 23% (97) of the total with 77% (333) noting they use other substances. All study participants voluntarily admitted to using opiates or other substances at the time of informed consent. Two hundred and thirty-one (231) or 53% plan to stop using drugs after release from incarceration. The unadjusted total impulsivity score for opiate users revealed a mean of 38.21 (8.0 s.d.) as compared to a score of 33.83 (8.7 s.d.) for other substance users. The goal of this study is to compare opiate users to other substance users as it relates to the character trait of impulsivity using Barratt\u27s Impulsivity Scale as well as whether they contemplate remaining drug-free post-release through the use of the In-Prison Drug Contemplation Ladder