Predictors of in-prison drug use among 1326 inmates in 15 Flemish prisons
Abundant research indicates that drug use is commonplace in prisons worldwide, yet little is known
about (risk factors for) drug use in the Belgian prison estate. The present study sought to address this
void. Data were drawn from a random sample of 1326 offenders (aged 18–77 years) incarcerated in 15
prisons throughout Flanders, Belgium. Sociodemographic, criminal, and mental health variables were
compared between prisoners who self-reported illicit drug use during their current incarceration (N =
462) and those who did not (N = 864). In the multivariate analysis, younger age, Belgian nationality, and
convicted status were all independently predictive of drug use during the current prison term. Illicit
drug use before imprisonment, prior addiction treatment, and indicators of mental ill-health were also
associated with increased odds of in-prison drug use. Collectively, our findings highlight the need for
screening for drug use and psychiatric morbidity at reception into prison, effective treatment while in
custody, and follow-up on release.