Substance use, mental health, and relationships: A comparison of male and female offenders serving community sentences

This study examined criminogenic need in the areas of drug use, alcohol use, mental health, and relationships, in 6453 male and 1045 female probationers, using data from the Offender Assessment System (OASys). It also examined the associations between these four areas. Females had significantly higher levels of need than males for mental health and relationships, and males had significantly higher levels of need for alcohol use. There was no group difference for drug use. For both males and females, there were significant positive correlations for scores between all pairs of needs, except for drug and alcohol use. The strength of the association between relationships and drug use was significantly stronger among females as compared to males. The results are discussed in light of the previous research and their implications for interventions to reduce offending.