CODAC at the RI Adult Correctional Institutions

Since 1994, CODAC has provided treatment with medication for the extremely high risk population transitioning from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC) back into the community. Due to our commitment to this population, the program grew exponentially. CODAC currently provides inmate detoxification and maintenance programs inside the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI).

Over the past year, CODAC has worked with the DOC to expand existing medication assisted treatment (MAT) services. We have made Rhode Island the first state to offer enhanced, evidence-based protocols for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) to its entire corrections population. The RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), estimates that in 2015, 22% of all overdose deaths happened to individuals discharged from the ACI within the last year.

Medication-assisted treatment is considered the most effective therapy for opioid addiction. Therefore, providing it is the right thing to do from a public health perspective. And if it can help reduce recidivism, it’s the right thing to do from a criminal justice perspective.*

Working with community corrections, CODAC has developed an effective system for continuity of medication assisted treatment (MAT) post-incarceration, which includes creating a re-entry treatment plan prior to release. Case management support helps identify and/or facilitate connections to wraparound recovery services. Hence, these range from linkages to primary care, specialty physicians, community clinics and other care providers; referrals for specialized healthcare needs; help finding supports for housing, vocational training, transportation, education, legal support, and mental health services.

*Joseph, Andrew, One state stakes a novel approach to opioid addiction: access to treatment for all inmates; STAT Newsletter (with Boston Globe Media); August 3, 2017

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