NCJ Number
85042
Date Published
1982
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This handbook for Illinois correctional officers (CO's) is intended to help them understand, recognize, and handle problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
Abstract
A 1978 survey of 91,400 jail inmates illustrates the likelihood that a CO may be faced with booking or monitoring an inmate with drug or alcohol problems: 20 percent had been under the influence of drugs at the time they committed the crime leading to their incarceration, and 28 percent had consumed heavy amounts of alcohol. The handbook explains symptoms of chemical and psychological dependency and lists characteristics commonly seen in intoxicated persons. It outlines signs of alcohol overdose and shock and symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol, stimulants, narcotics, sedatives, hallucinogens, marijuana, and inhalants. Inmates who have abused drugs require close supervision and medical clearance when withdrawal symptoms begin. The most life-threatening situation is that of synergistic drug effects -- when a number of drugs react to each other in the human body. It is not the CO's job to diagnose medical conditions, but rather to screen and identify those needing medical attention. The text gives advice on screening problem inmates, developing medical clearance policies, handling the addict inmate, and working with referral agencies. A glossary, 12 references, and appended forms and diagrams are provided.