A new study has revealed that people released from Scottish prisons experience a mental health and substance use crisis, with significantly higher contact with emergency health services than the general population.
The University of Stirling-led RELEASE study tracked 8,313 prisoners released in 2015 over four years, comparing their outcomes with 41,213 matched individuals who had not been in prison.
Findings show that those released had eight times more ambulance contacts for mental health and substance use issues, and significantly higher accident and emergency (A&E) attendances — eight times for substance use and five times for mental health — than the comparison group.
Dr Catriona Connell, lead investigator, warned that the combination of overcrowded prisons and high rates of drug- and alcohol-related deaths creates a ‘perfect storm’ for released individuals.
The study highlights the urgent need for integrated health and social care support to prevent harm, reduce emergency service pressure, and improve long-term outcomes.
With Scotland’s prison population at record levels, researchers stress that sentencing and post-release planning must consider mental health and substance use needs to protect both individuals and public health budgets.
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