Analysis of drinking behavior and its relationship to selected demographic variables among a group of incarcerated male felons

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to supplement existing research which has focused on the question of how alcohol is involved in criminality. In order to achieve its purpose, the study attempted to answer the following research questions: (1) Whit is the extent of alcohol use among a group of newly incarcerated male felons? (2) What is the incidence of various types of drinking behaviors found within this same population? (3) Are there any significant difference in drinking behavior when male felons are categorized by selected demographic variables of race, age, and education? (4) Are there any significant differences in drinking behavior when male felons are categorized by the offense for which they are presently incarcerated? Methods: The sample of this study came from the most recently incarcerated male offenders being sent to the Diagnostic Unit in the Texas department of Corrections. The data for this study was collected by utilizing a structured questionnaire which was given to all incoming inmates at the Diagnostic Unit during their Orientation program. A Chi Square analysis of data utilized in order to determine significant differences. Findings: 1. This study indicates that 94 percent of the inmate sample used alcoholic beverages. 2. Over two-thirds of the sample could be classified as moderate to heavy drinkers. 3. There is no significant difference in drinking behaviors when male felons are categorized by certain demographic variables such as age, race, and education. 4. There is no significant difference in drinking behaviors when male felons are categorized by the offense for which they are presently incarcerated. Conclusions: A major conclusion of this study is that a significantly large percentage of incarcerated felons are users of alcoholic beverages; 96 percent answered affirmatively when asked if they used alcohol. In addition, it is concluded that alcohol plays a significant part in being involved in crimes for which men in prison are incarcerated. Finally, alcohol use among inmates is not significantly related to age, race, educational attainment or types of crimes for which they are incarcerated.