Every second inmate with addiction problems

Alcohol and drug problems are widespread among detainees

06/20/2014

Abuse of alcohol, drugs and medicines are part of everyday life for many inmates. „There is no drug-free prison, "emphasizes the Berlin Medical Director Dr. Marc Lehmann, co-author of the book just published „Health and detention“, in conversation with the news agency „dpa“. The medical director of the Berlin Prison Hospital and head of the in-patient medical service calls for better health care and mental health care for prisoners.

No good health care for detainees
Almost every second inmate in Germany suffers from alcohol, drug or drug dependence. „45 percent of the approximately 60,000 prisoners in German prisons have a problem with psychoactive substances. "In addition, many inmates suffered from emotional disorders.Lehmann and his colleagues summarized the figures of several regional studies for their book According to the experts, offenders often come along Some detainees also developed addictions while in detention, but alcohol abuse is less common in prison.

The success of re-socialization depends significantly on the state of health of the prisoners, Lehmann emphasizes. In Germany, prison inmates are not covered by health insurance. Instead, the responsibility for health care in the federal states, but their budgets were not sufficient. As an example, the physician cites the cost of hepatitis C drugs. These amounted to up to 80,000 euros per case. However, it must be well considered how the scarce resources are best used. „Sick people in custody have a right to the same medical care as patients in freedom“, emphasizes Lehmann. However, the reality is different. (Ag)