Reentry Into the Community After Addiction Treatment Within NJ's Prison and Jails

• NCJ Number: 207548
• Author(s): Douglas Ziedonis; Nancy Violette
• Date Published: January 2003
• Length: 15 pages
• Corporate Author: New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
• Sale Source: New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded November 29, 2004.

Annotation

This review of knowledge about the impact of addiction on an inmate's transition from prison to the community describes current approaches for addressing addiction and reentry under New Jersey's criminal justice system, identifies major obstacles to successful reintegration for inmates with substance abuse disorders, and recommends some short-term and long-term strategies for confronting these obstacles.

Abstract

Only approximately 8 to 12 percent of New Jersey inmates receive addiction treatment while incarcerated, although current estimates suggest that about 80 percent have substance-use disorders. Inmates do not receive comprehensive substance abuse evaluations; the primary assessment tool is a modified and abbreviated Addiction Severity Index (ASI), which is useful for determining addiction severity but is not a diagnostic instrument that determines the presence or absence of a substance-use disorder. For addicted parolees there are only 26 intensive parole drug program officers who are specialized in managing addiction-related issues during the reentry process. Most inmates with substance abuse histories are not transitioning to community addiction treatment programs in the community. Untreated addiction disorders compound the typical reentry obstacles of few prospects for employment, limited transportation to jobs and resources, and exposure to the aggressive marketing of drug dealers. These factors can trigger the urge for escape through substance abuse. The 12 recommendations pertain to the creation of a governor's task force on reentry into the community; improved substance abuse assessments of inmates at baseline; the development of individualized reentry plans that include substance abuse relapse prevention and addiction treatment; enhanced case-management services; increased collaboration with drug treatment, mental health, and research communities; and increased funding for substance abuse treatment during and after incarceration. 25 references