To better understand why people use new psychoactive substances in prison – outcomes of polish, qualitative study

BACKGROUND: New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have become increasingly prevalent in prison environments, serving both social and emotional functions. While research has extensively examined NPS use in the general population, little is known about the specific motivations driving their use among incarcerated individuals. Given the restrictive nature of prison life, substance use motivations may differ from those outside correctional facilities. This study aimed to identify the key motives behind NPS use among prisoners in Poland. RESULTS: 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with prisoners and 32 individual interviews with staff were conducted in polish prisons and detention centers. Two main categories of motivations were identified: adaptation to prison rules and emotional regulation. The first category included gaining recognition and status among inmates, avoiding legal consequences due to NPS' lower detectability in drug tests, and economic incentives, as NPS serve as a form of currency in prison. Emotional motivations included stress relief, boredom, coping with isolation, family-related distress, and the continuation of pre-incarceration substance use. According to current study prisoners primarily use NPS as a coping mechanism within the prison environment. CONCLUSIONS: Using NPS in prisons allows to better adapt to the specific conditions of prison life and regulate the emotions associated with being in prison. The properties of NPS make them a strong alternative to traditional drugs in prison settings. The findings emphasize the need for prison-specific prevention and intervention strategies that address both the structural and emotional factors contributing to NPS use. Future research should focus on assessing the prevalence of NPS use in correctional settings and evaluating the effectiveness of existing preventive measures.