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A novel opioid maintenance program for prisoners: preliminary findings
Timothy W Kinlock1, Robert J Battjes, Robert P Schwartz
1Social Research Center, Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. tkinlock@frisrc.org
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|June 1, 2002
Summary
Opioid agonist maintenance treatment initiated in prison shows promise for heroin-dependent individuals. A pilot study found that many participants continued treatment post-release, suggesting a viable strategy for reducing relapse.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Criminal Justice Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- High rates of relapse to heroin dependence occur post-incarceration.
- Effective treatment strategies are needed to support individuals with preincarceration heroin dependence transitioning to the community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of initiating opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT) in prison.
- To assess the continuity of OAMT from incarceration to community-based care for individuals with heroin dependence.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving incarcerated males with preincarceration heroin dependence.
- Random assignment to Levo-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) maintenance or control groups 3 months prior to release.
- Tracking of treatment initiation, continuation, and retention in community-based care.
Main Results:
- High voluntary participation (92%) in the OAMT pilot.
- A significant proportion of participants initiated and continued LAAM treatment until release (78.6% entered community care).
- Half of the participants remained in treatment at least 6 months post-release.
Conclusions:
- Initiating OAMT in prison can successfully engage individuals with heroin dependence in treatment.
- Despite LAAM's current limitations, findings suggest methadone maintenance treatment may be effective for this population.
- In-prison OAMT initiation is a promising strategy for improving treatment retention and reducing relapse in formerly incarcerated individuals.