This graph shows that 68% of people in jail have a substance use disorder, compared to 9% of the general population, meaning that people in jail are 8 times more likely to have a substance use disorder compared to the general population.

Data Source: J. Karberg and D. James, Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Reports, "Substance Dependence, Abuse, and Treatment of Jail Inmates 2002". (Graph: Alexi Jones, 2019)

This graph originally appeared in Does our county really need a bigger jail? A guide for avoiding unnecessary jail expansion.



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