How States and Counties Can Help Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder Re-Enter Communities

At least 95 percent of individuals in state prisons will eventually return to communities. In fact, in a typical year more than half a million people do so, with many more coming from jails. A disproportionate share of these individuals have one or more chronic illnesses, including more than half who met the criteria for a non-alcohol and nicotine-related substance use disorder (SUD) from 2007 to 2009, according to the latest available data. The percentages are likely substantially higher now, however, because of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has described as the current opioid epidemic.

The prospect for a successful re-entry by these individuals is strongly affected by their ability to access health care services post-release, particularly treatment for their SUD. The ability to access care is critical, as the time immediately following release can be particularly dangerous for overdose. Individuals who have been relatively or completely opioid-free behind bars have a reduced tolerance to the drug, and therefore are at high risk of overdose if they resume use at their previous levels.