Post-traumatic stress disorder and hazardous alcohol use among incarcerated adults: associations with criminogenic needs and reoffending in New South Wales, Australia

Purpose People in custody experience disproportionately high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) yet the impact of this on criminogenic needs and recidivism remains unclear. This study aims to examine the prevalence of PTSD, associations with criminogenic needs and reoffending and the role of alcohol use in these associations among adults in custody. Design/methodology/approach Data were drawn from a linked dataset combining health (data collected in 2015), correctional and reoffending records for 1,033 incarcerated individuals in Australia. Two-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine the effects of current PTSD and hazardous alcohol use, and their interaction, on criminogenic needs. Regression models were used to examine associations between current PTSD, hazardous or dependent drinking in the 12 months before prison and their interaction in predicting both any and violent reoffending within the first 12-month following release from custody. Findings Most participants were male (66.9%), mean age 35.57 (SD = 11.6) and 15.9% meeting criteria for current PTSD. Two in five participants (43.8%) exceeded the threshold for hazardous alcohol use prior to incarceration, with 28% meeting criteria for alcohol dependence. PTSD and hazardous alcohol use were independently associated with higher criminogenic needs. Hazardous alcohol use, but not PTSD, was associated with greater odds of, and a shorter time to violent reoffending. There was no evidence of any association between PTSD and reoffending. Originality/value This study addresses a critical gap by examining the prevalence and impact of PTSD and hazardous alcohol use, both independently and in combination, on criminogenic needs and reoffending outcomes among incarcerated adults.