Associations between traumatic life events and substance use among Black Men who are incarcerated

Authors

• Jasmine K. Jester, University of KentuckyFollow
• Brittany Miller-Roenigk, University of KentuckyFollow
• Paris B. Wheeler, University of Cincinnati
• Danelle Stevens-Watkins, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

The current study examined associations between traumatic life events, current and lifetime importance of mental health and substance use treatment, and crack cocaine use among 201 Black men who were incarcerated and nearing community reentry. Results indicated age, sexual trauma and lifetime importance of drug treatment were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of crack cocaine use. Substance abuse treatment in correctional settings should consider culturally tailored assessment and treatment for history of unaddressed sexual trauma among Black men who are incarcerated and use crack cocaine.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Notes/Citation Information

© 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2024.2326948

Funding Information

This research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) K08DA032296 (PI: Stevens-Watkins). The content of this manuscript is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Repository Citation

Jester, Jasmine K.; Miller-Roenigk, Brittany; Wheeler, Paris B.; and Stevens-Watkins, Danelle, "Associations between traumatic life events and substance use among Black Men who are incarcerated" (2026). Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications. 72.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/edp_facpub/72