Research Proposal on the topic Effects of substance abuse on prisoners Assignment

Research Proposal on the topic Effects of substance abuse on prisoners in Austin, Texas - Assignment Example The qualitative data shall be coded, enumerated and listed. Averages, percentages and chi square testing shall be used to analyze quantitative data. Photographs and matrix maps shall be used in the presentation of qualitative data. The quantitative data shall be presented in tables and graphs. Introduction Substance abuse among the prisoners in Texas has been on the rise in the recent past. The detrimental impacts that substance abuse has on prisoners cannot be underestimated since they present challenges to the victims and other stakeholders such as the society and correctional institutions. The high rate of consumption of drugs by inmates in prisons, impact negatively on their health, and in the extreme cases leads to death. Substance abuse in Austin prisons is not a new trend, and it requires maximum attention, as the effects on the inmates are severe. Prisons are places meant to rehabilitate and reform the inmates, rather than to destroy them, in one way or the other. Therefore, the high incidences of substance abuse in correctional facilities have led to questions raised about the effectiveness of criminal justice systems in Austin, Texas. The high numbers of prisoners in Texas and the increasing cases of substance is a major cause of concern. Hence, there is a need for close attention to avert negative effects. Purpose Statement The study focuses on impacts of substance abuse to prisoners and the society. A major focus was on establishing reasons behind the high incidences of substance abuse in the correctional facilities. Through the study, negative impacts of substance abuse on prisoners and the community as well as other stakeholders would be determined. The effectiveness of mechanisms put in place to treat substance abuse and rehabilitate victims is examined. This would help in identification of loopholes, which result in negative outcomes. Literature Review Literature Review The number of inmates in the US prisons has continued to increase with about 2 million people imprisoned (Neubauer, 2012). The issue of incarceration in the United States is faced with a number of challenges due to the high numbers of Blacks, Latin Americans, and Native Americans. According to Stuntz, (2011), this has been met with many questions concerning the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in the US. Texas has the highest prison population. This being the case, Austin its capital City is of major concern. According to Jennifer et al. (2012), there are many problems faced by inmates in most prisons in Austin, ranging from social to psychological problems. Some of these problems arise because of under-provision of programs and policies by the criminal justice system. Substance abuse in prisons is widely spread among many inmates (Texas Statistical Report, 2012). Despite the negative impacts that it brings, some inmates continue to abuse drugs for personal or other reasons. This has been associated with under-provision of treatment for drug abu sers in prisons, which make them, engage in this activity that deteriorates their health ,as well as their social lives. It has been noted that approximately 85% of prisoners in the US meet the criteria for diagnosis in drug abuse (Frakt, 2012). This is because this population has a problem of substance abuse. Texas has a wide range of correctional facilities, and this are meant to change the individual’s behavior as well as attitudes towards actions that may have led him or her to engage in criminal