Arielle Cruz
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, and jails and the medical personnel who work for them must be alert to this issue. When an inmate dies from alcohol withdrawal, questions may arise concerning the quality of care. In the United States, approximately 1 out of every 12 adults is alcohol dependent. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of people who have died in prison from alcohol withdrawal, there have been reports in several states. Alcohol withdrawal deaths in correctional facilities are preventable with proper medical care and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol withdrawal can lead to death | Yes |
| Alcohol withdrawal symptoms | Body temperature fluctuations, hallucinations, extreme irritability, seizures, delirium tremens (DTs) |
| Alcohol withdrawal deaths in jails/prisons | Common but preventable |
| Alcohol withdrawal treatment | Medical detox programs, medication, behavioural therapy, pharmacotherapy, evidence-based behavioural treatment, comprehensive substance use treatment |
| Alcohol withdrawal lawsuits | Constitutional violations of inmates' rights, medical neglect |
| Alcohol withdrawal prevention | Rehabilitation, treatment, improving systems of treatment, medically supervised withdrawal |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
The severity and duration of alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary depending on several factors, including the individual's alcohol use history and the presence of underlying health conditions. Symptoms can increase in intensity and typically peak within 24 to 72 hours after the last drink, with some symptoms persisting for weeks or even months. Prolonged withdrawal symptoms include insomnia and mood changes.
Alcohol withdrawal is relatively common, affecting about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or reduce their alcohol intake. It is a significant issue in correctional settings, with a reported spike in drug and alcohol-related deaths in jails. Inadequate treatment and forced withdrawal contribute to these fatalities, highlighting the need for improved systems of rehabilitation and care for individuals struggling with addiction.
The risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and associated complications can be mitigated through professional treatment in medical detox programs. Supervised withdrawal, pharmacotherapy, and evidence-based behavioral treatments are recommended to ensure the safety and comfort of individuals undergoing detoxification. Seeking medical advice and support is crucial to managing withdrawal symptoms effectively and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.
While the exact number of deaths from alcohol withdrawal in prison is unclear due to variations in data tracking, it is evident that alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, particularly when proper care and treatment are not provided. Inappropriate care in correctional settings has led to lawsuits filed by families of victims who suffered wrongful death due to alcohol withdrawal.
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Treatment and rehabilitation
While it is unclear how many people have died from alcohol withdrawal in prison, there have been several reports of such deaths across various states. A study by Fiscella and other researchers found that out of 1,400 drug- and alcohol-related deaths in jails from 2000 to 2013, 103 were associated with withdrawal.
The risk of death from alcohol withdrawal can be mitigated through proper medical attention and management in a medical detox program. This involves round-the-clock care to reduce the likelihood of more serious symptoms developing or leading to death.
- Medically Supervised Withdrawal: It is essential that prisons provide medically supervised withdrawal services to inmates struggling with alcohol addiction. This means having medical professionals monitor the inmate's condition during the withdrawal process, providing necessary interventions to ensure their safety and comfort. This can include medications such as acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone, which are used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Integrated Care: Drug and alcohol services in prison should collaborate with mental health and primary care teams to provide integrated treatment and care. This holistic approach ensures that the treatment addresses not only the addiction but also any co-occurring mental or physical health issues.
- Individualized Care Plans: Each inmate should have an individualized care plan tailored to their specific needs and recovery goals. These plans should be regularly reviewed and updated, and they should include access to suitable interventions, such as counseling, support groups, and community-based organizations, to support treatment and recovery.
- Access to Medication: Inmates should have access to appropriate medication to manage their addiction and any related health issues. This includes medications like Naloxone, which is used to treat opioid overdose, and MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) for opioid use disorder.
- Referrals and Community Support: Prisons should facilitate referrals to community-based support services for inmates upon their release. This ensures continuity of care and can include referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations specializing in addiction treatment and recovery.
- Education and Counseling: In addition to medical treatment, education, and counseling play a vital role in rehabilitation. Providing inmates with information about their high-risk behaviors and vulnerabilities can empower them to make healthier choices upon their release. Counseling can help address the underlying causes of addiction and provide inmates with the tools to cope with triggers and prevent relapse.
- Addressing Over-Policing and Under-Treatment: There is a need to address the systemic issues contributing to the high rates of incarceration for substance abuse. Over-policing and under-treatment of substance abuse contribute to the criminalization of addiction. By investing more in treatment and harm reduction programs, society can reduce the incarcerated population struggling with addiction and, consequently, reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths in prisons.
- Legal Advocacy: In cases where inmates or their families suspect medical neglect or violations of inmates' rights, legal advocacy can play a role in seeking justice and holding correctional facilities accountable. This includes filing lawsuits for constitutional violations of inmates' rights, particularly under the 8th Amendment for convicted prisoners and the 14th Amendment for pretrial detainees, in the United States.
By implementing these measures and prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation, correctional facilities can significantly reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal-related deaths in prisons and improve the long-term outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
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Jail personnel negligence
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, and jails and their medical personnel must be alert to this issue. Unfortunately, jail personnel negligence is not uncommon. In many cases, jail personnel fail to follow the proper protocols for treating alcohol withdrawal. This negligence can lead to serious injury or death, and it is considered medical neglect.
When an alcoholic person is arrested and taken to jail, they are immediately and suddenly cut off from alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can develop with a host of complications, including death. Jails, prisons, and police lock-up facilities are supposed to recognize and respond to these signs and symptoms by properly screening incoming inmates for withdrawal and obtaining prompt and appropriate medical treatment for those at risk. However, this is not always the case.
In one instance, a person in jail experienced mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that eventually progressed to full-blown delirium tremens. Despite this, jail personnel did not respond to their need for medical care. As a result, the individual seized and died in their cell several days after being admitted to jail. This tragic outcome could have been avoided if the jail personnel had provided proper medical attention and management of the person's withdrawal symptoms.
The courts have long recognized the danger of alcohol withdrawal and require that jail personnel not deny medical care to those going through withdrawal or at risk. When proper treatment is provided, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be safely managed, and the risk of serious complications or death is significantly reduced. However, when jail personnel fail to provide adequate care, they violate the rights of inmates, and lawsuits can be filed to hold them accountable for their negligence.
To prevent alcohol withdrawal-related deaths in jails, experts recommend medically supervised withdrawal and access to health services while incarcerated. Treatment for substance use disorders should be comprehensive and may include pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management therapy, and community treatment programs. Providing treatment to inmates while incarcerated has been shown to reduce drug use, crime, and recidivism.
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Lawsuits and legal rights
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, and jails and their medical personnel must be alert to this issue. When an inmate dies from alcohol withdrawal, questions may arise concerning the quality of care provided. In such cases, lawsuits can be filed to vindicate the rights of the inmate. These lawsuits are often based on violations of inmates' constitutional rights under the 8th Amendment (for convicted prisoners) and the 14th Amendment (for pretrial detainees).
There have been several lawsuits and reports of in-custody deaths from alcohol withdrawal. For example, the case of Priscilla Slater, who died within hours of being arrested, was reclassified as a death due to alcohol withdrawal after her loved ones filed a civil rights lawsuit. Another example is the lawsuit filed by Budge & Heipt, alleging the death of a jail inmate from benzodiazepine withdrawal, which resulted in a 22-page ruling denying a motion to dismiss.
The success of lawsuits related to alcohol withdrawal in jails or prisons depends on various factors, including the standard of care provided and the specific circumstances of each case. It is important to note that many jails and prisons provide sub-standard medical screening and care, which can contribute to preventable deaths from alcohol withdrawal. However, it is challenging to determine the exact number of deaths due to withdrawal, as these cases may be underreported or misclassified.
To prevent these deaths, experts recommend medically supervised withdrawal and access to health services while incarcerated. Additionally, addressing over-policing and improving treatment and rehabilitation services for people with substance abuse disorders can help reduce the number of drug and alcohol-related deaths in jails and prisons.
The legal rights of inmates regarding alcohol withdrawal vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of each case. However, inmates and their loved ones have the right to seek justice and hold correctional facilities accountable for any negligence or violations of constitutional rights that result in serious injury or death. Seeking legal assistance from experienced attorneys in this field can help families navigate the complex legal process and understand their rights and options for recourse.
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Preventing alcohol-related deaths
Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, and jails and medical personnel must be alert to this issue. While the exact number of people who have died in prison from alcohol withdrawal is unclear, a study found that out of 1,400 drug- and alcohol-related deaths in jails from 2000 to 2013, 103 were associated with withdrawal.
Address Over-Policing and Under-Treatment of Substance Abuse
Criminalization and over-policing of substance abuse in the US have led to high incarceration rates. Addressing this issue is the first step to preventing alcohol-related deaths in jails and prisons. Decriminalization of small amounts of illegal drugs, for example, can help reduce the number of people incarcerated for personal drug use and possession.
Improve Access to Treatment and Rehabilitation
Many people who end up in jail or prison struggle with addiction and dependence on substances like alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. Providing better access to treatment and rehabilitation services can help address the root causes of substance abuse and reduce the risk of relapse and recidivism. This includes offering alcohol and drug treatment programs as part of community orders, which currently only make up 6% of all community orders.
Medically Supervised Withdrawal
To prevent alcohol-related deaths in correctional facilities, experts recommend medically supervised withdrawal. This means providing professional treatment through medical detox programs and supporting therapies, counseling, and education to manage withdrawal symptoms and keep individuals safe.
Improve Access to Healthcare and Treatment in Prisons
People in prison often have higher rates of mental health disorders, self-harm, and substance use problems compared to the general population. Improving access to healthcare and treatment for alcohol and drug dependence in prisons can help address these issues and reduce the risk of alcohol-related deaths. This includes providing pharmacotherapy and evidence-based behavioral treatment, as recommended by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
Support After Release from Prison
People leaving prison are at high risk of relapse and overdose, especially in the first few weeks after their release. Supporting individuals after they are released from prison can help break the cycle of imprisonment and reduce recidivism rates. This includes providing access to secure housing, education, and employment opportunities, as well as continuing healthcare and treatment for substance use disorders.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be deadly.
When an alcoholic person is arrested and taken to jail, they are immediately and suddenly cut off from alcohol. This can lead to a host of complications, including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which can result in death.
Alcohol withdrawal deaths in prison are all too common but entirely avoidable. There has been a spike in drug and alcohol-related deaths in local jails, with experts calling for rehabilitation instead of incarceration for those experiencing addiction.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be physical and emotional and may include hallucinations, body temperature fluctuations, and extreme irritability. More serious symptoms include seizures and delirium tremens.
To prevent these deaths, experts recommend medically supervised withdrawal and access to health services while incarcerated. Treatment for substance use disorders during and after incarceration is effective and should include comprehensive care, such as medication, behavioral therapy, and follow-up treatment.
