Probation service study suggests seven in 10 prisoners experiencing addiction

THE IRISH Prison Service estimates that approximately 70 per cent of people entering prison have an addiction or substance abuse problem.

According to research from the Probation Service in Ireland, 87 per cent of offenders under supervision misuse alcohol, drugs, or both.

Substance misuse was linked directly to the criminal behaviour of 70 per cent of offenders across Ireland, with alcohol cited as the most frequently misused substance, often involved in public order and assault cases.

Research by Ireland’s Probation Service found that alcohol use was linked to a current offence among 53 per cent of those studied.

According to Alcohol Action Ireland, alcohol plays a key role in crimes such as public order offences, domestic violence, assault, and murder, as well as rape and sexual assault.

It is not always possible to tell the exact number of crimes caused due to alcohol use, but studies have estimated that between 30 per cent and 65 per cent of assaults, disorderly conduct, public order, and other social code incidents are associated with alcohol use.

President of the District Court, Justice Paul Kelly, previously stated that “if alcohol disappeared overnight, the courts could close down.”

He further elaborated that alcohol “cuts across almost the entire range of offences; it’s behind most public order, assaults, and criminal damage, it’s probably behind 80 per cent of family law, has a huge impact in childcare. And, obviously, there’s drunk driving.”