Surreal image representing mental health challenges in prisons, depicting intertwined vines as prison bars.

Hidden Scars: The Overlooked Mental Health Crisis Among Incarcerated Individuals with Drug Use Histories

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals alarming rates of self-harm and suicide attempts in prisons, highlighting the urgent need for better mental health support and early intervention."

The walls of a prison contain more than just physical confinement; they often hold a silent epidemic of mental health struggles. While the general population grapples with issues like self-harm and suicide, these challenges are amplified within the incarcerated community, particularly among individuals with histories of injecting drug use (IDU). A recent study conducted in Victoria, Australia, sheds light on this often-overlooked crisis, revealing unsettling rates of self-harm and suicide attempts among male prisoners with recent IDU histories.

Understanding the prevalence and the factors that contribute to these mental health issues is crucial for developing effective intervention and prevention strategies. People in prison often face a unique combination of stressors, including social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, and the challenges of re-entering society after release. When these factors are coupled with a history of substance dependence and mental illness, the risk of self-harm and suicide attempts can escalate dramatically.

This article delves into the findings of the Australian study, exploring the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts among incarcerated men with IDU histories. It also examines the characteristics and risk factors associated with these experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced mental health screening, support, and early intervention within the prison system to safeguard this vulnerable population.

Alarming Statistics: Unveiling the Scope of the Problem

Surreal image representing mental health challenges in prisons, depicting intertwined vines as prison bars.

The study paints a sobering picture of the mental health challenges faced by incarcerated men with IDU histories. Researchers found that:

More than one third (37%) of participants reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

Almost half (47%) of participants reported a history of suicide attempts.
A significant percentage of these individuals also had a history of mental illness diagnoses.
Many reported current poor psychiatric well-being.

These statistics are significantly higher than those found in the general population, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of this specific group within the prison system. Several factors were found to be significantly associated with a history of NSSI, including:

A Call to Action: Prioritizing Mental Health in Prisons

The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize mental health screening and intervention within the prison system, particularly for individuals with histories of injecting drug use. The significant associations between self-harm, suicide attempts, mental illness indicators, and drug-related harms highlight the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach.

By implementing targeted screening programs, prisons can identify individuals at high risk and connect them with appropriate mental health services and support systems. Early intervention is crucial to address underlying mental health issues, reduce the risk of future self-harm and suicide attempts, and improve the overall well-being of incarcerated individuals.

Ultimately, creating a more supportive and therapeutic environment within prisons can help break the cycle of despair, promote healing, and empower individuals to rebuild their lives upon release. It's not just about incarceration; it's about rehabilitation and ensuring a brighter future for those who have often been marginalized and forgotten.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s40352-018-0077-2, Alternate LINK

Title: Lifetime Prevalence And Correlates Of Self-Harm And Suicide Attempts Among Male Prisoners With Histories Of Injecting Drug Use

Subject: Law

Journal: Health & Justice

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Ashleigh C. Stewart, Reece Cossar, Paul Dietze, Gregory Armstrong, Michael Curtis, Stuart A. Kinner, James R. P. Ogloff, Amy Kirwan, Mark Stoové

Published: 2018-10-15

Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of the reported history of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) among incarcerated individuals?

The study found that 37% of the incarcerated individuals reported a history of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). This is significant because NSSI is a strong indicator of underlying psychological distress and can be a precursor to more serious self-harm, including suicide attempts. The prevalence of NSSI among incarcerated individuals with Injecting Drug Use (IDU) histories is notably higher than in the general population, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of this group.

Why is the rate of suicide attempts among incarcerated individuals an important issue?

According to the research, almost half (47%) of the participants reported a history of suicide attempts. This figure highlights the severity of the mental health crisis within the prison system, particularly among those with Injecting Drug Use (IDU) histories. Suicide attempts are a direct indication of severe psychological distress and hopelessness. The high rate of suicide attempts is a critical issue as it can lead to loss of life within the incarcerated community and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions and support.

What is the importance of mental illness diagnoses in this context?

The prevalence of mental illness is significant because it often co-occurs with substance dependence and can exacerbate the risk of self-harm and suicide. The study revealed that a significant percentage of the incarcerated men with Injecting Drug Use (IDU) histories had a history of mental illness diagnoses. This intersection of mental illness and substance use creates a complex interplay of factors that increase vulnerability and the risk of adverse mental health outcomes. It highlights the necessity of integrated mental health services and substance use treatment programs within the prison system.

Why is a history of Injecting Drug Use (IDU) so critical in this study?

Injecting Drug Use (IDU) history is crucial because it's a significant risk factor for both mental health issues and self-harm. It is closely linked to the increased risk of suicide attempts and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) among incarcerated men. Individuals with a history of IDU often face a unique set of challenges and stressors, including withdrawal symptoms, mental health issues, and social stigma, which contribute to their vulnerability. Addressing IDU requires an approach that includes mental health support and interventions.

What are the key factors associated with self-harm and suicide attempts in this study?

Several factors were found to be significantly associated with a history of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts. Identifying these factors is critical for implementing effective interventions and prevention strategies. These could include a history of Injecting Drug Use (IDU), mental illness diagnoses, social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, and the challenges of re-entering society after release. Understanding these associations allows for targeted interventions, improved screening, and better support systems within the prison system for individuals at high risk.