Triple Stigma: Persons with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Problems in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This article offers a review of the literature that exists on individuals with dual diagnosis and discusses policies creating the trajectories for mentally ill individuals with substance abuse problems and their community reentry after involvement with the criminal justice system. For this analysis, basic comparisons are made across mentally ill individuals involved with the criminal justice system and the dually diagnosed portion of the population and an analysis of the current trajectory and post-incarceration disposition of the dually diagnosed group. The differences between offenders with mental illness and the dually diagnosed are pronounced. The dually diagnosed are more likely to be serving sentences related to their substance use, to be homeless and violate probation after release, and recidivate to correctional custody. An examination of substance abuse histories, short-term community outcomes, and service trends 3 months postrelease suggests public policy and social service directions.