Psychiatric morbidity and concomittant alcohol use are associated with poor outcomes among substance dependent individuals.

To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and alcohol use among the inmates and their psychosocial correlates.

Cross-sectional study involving 201 inmates age 18 years and above with written consent who currently seeking treatment on volunteer basis under the government run rehabilitation centre in sunagi Besi, Kuala Lumpur. The study was conducted in December 2011 with approval from the Ethic committee board from the university hospital. The psychiatric morbidity measured by MINI Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI ver 5.0) and alcohol use measured by AUDIT.

The current prevalence of anxiety and depression are 27.9% and 39.8% respectively. The lifetime prevalence for depression is 21.9%. We also found that lifetime and current prevalence of alcohol use are 77% and 37% respectively. Univariate analysis showed significant association between psychiatric morbidity and alcohol use among this group of inmates (Odd ratio=1.9, P< 0.05) and educational status(Odd ratio =, p< 0.05). However, no significance association found between alcohol use with age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, religion and methadone treatment status. 73.1% of inmates also receiving methadone maintenance therapy during the study take place. Mean dose of methadone is 52.2mg daily (minimum 25mg daily, maximum 119mg daily).

There is high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and alcohol use among the inmates seeking treatment in government run rehabilitation centre on top of receiving methadone treatment. Therefore, this centre need specialised care to cater the dual diagnosis group clients.