The Impact of Jail Status and Treatment in Jail on Post‐Incarceration Adjustment

Overview: This panel discussion entails the in-depth analysis of factors of post-incarceration adjustment. The analysis includes the woes of those who are acclimating into a life post-incarceration based on quality of treatment in jail and jail status post-sentence.Proposal text: Increasingly throughout generations, individuals living with a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder have faced many obstacles. As stated by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 per cent of Americans suffer from a dual diagnosis (SAMSHA, 2015). Mental illness is inevitable and substance abuse effects individuals via negative coping skills. The criminal justice system often demonizes cases involving substance abuse and crises that involve a mental illness. Individuals who are dually-diagnosed face major issues post-incarceration. These major issues range from jail status in regard to legality issues and treatment in jail via law enforcement. This presentation will highlight post-incarceration adjustment of those who live with a co-morbid disorder. The paper will increase awareness and explain the challenges of those who have been released from prison or jail and live with mental health diagnoses in addition to substance abuse.

Keywords: Criminal justice, dual-diagnosis, jail status, post-incarceration, law enforcement, legal status, jail status