Prevalence and correlates of prescription drug abuse and misuse among adult prisoners: a systematic review

There is a growing concern about the inappropriate use of prescription drugs in correctional facilities because of the impact on mental and physical health, drug interactions, risk of overdoses, and drug-related deaths. This study systematically examines the prevalence of abuse and misuse of prescription medications in correctional facilities and factors associated among adult individuals who are incarcerated. A systematic search was performed including articles in English, up to 31 August 2024. Fourteen relevant studies were included. The most reported prescription drugs in custodial settings were opioid substitution treatments, opioid and non-opioid analgesics, and gabapentinoids. Inappropriate use of benzodiazepines resulted also to be relevant. Inconsistency in the definition of abuse and misuse as well as the important heterogeneity in population characteristics and study designs prevent us to draw definitive conclusions as regards the prevalence of abuse and misuse of prescription treatments in custodial settings. Few and inconsistent correlations emerged from available literature. Monitoring inappropriate use of prescription medicines in correctional facilities is warranted. In particular, institutions, policy-makers, and healthcare professionals should jointly provide appropriate intervention strategies. Future research should be taken into account the important limitations of the existing literature.