Gender differences and program participation among prisoners with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders

We examine a nationally representative sample of state inmates with co-occurring disorders (CODs) to consider their background, and ascertain whether inmate gender is related to their access to mental health and substance abuse treatment while serving their sentence. Women prisoners were significantly more likely to be given psychotropic medications, access mental health counseling, participate in clinical and non-clinical addictions treatment options, or in fact any type of mental health treatment or substance abuse options. Thus, the findings indicate that there are significant differences for male and female prisoners with CODs and their access to treatment while serving their sentences.