Drugs Misuse in custodial settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that custodial settings are at risk for the misuse of psychoactive drugs (DM) outside their prescription. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the extent of this phenomenon of psychoactive drug misuse in prisons, exploring the classes of drugs commonly used, the characteristics of inmates who are affected, and focusing on studies that have identified the phenomenon in an evidence-based manner. Methods: From January 1 2025 to June 1 2025, we reviewed the scientific literature following PRISMA guidelines. 8826 studies were analyzed, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Results: The overall rate of DM was 24%. Prisoner characteristics associated with DM included mental disorders, psychoactive substance use, and individual characteristics of prisoners. Social factors associated with DM included significant problems with the law, drug dealing, and arrests. Conclusions: The DM issue is a non-negligible public health problem in custodial settings. Related factors can be identified and preventive actions taken.