Assessing the reentry needs of incarcerated individuals with co-occurring opioid use and mental health concerns

Abstract

Individuals with co-occurring mental health concerns and opioid use disorder (COD) are at high risk of mortality and poor social and health outcomes upon release, and there is a need to better understand the unique reentry needs of this population. The high level of need experienced by individuals with COD will demonstrate a necessity for comprehensive reentry support which includes mental health treatment, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), social services such as education, employment, Medicaid, and housing. This sample included 490 adults from a targeted jail/prison reentry program for individuals experiencing COD in a Midwestern state. Program participants had histories of trauma (90%), homelessness (62%), and inpatient psychiatric care (38%). Further, most participants reported needing medical attention for a physical problem (70%) at baseline. Finally, participants had extensive criminal-legal system exposures, with an average of 10 lifetime arrests outside of their current incarceration (M = 9.91, SD = 8.74). The findings have important implications for expanding reentry services to support individuals with COD. This includes the need to begin services prior to release and ensuring the coordination and continuity of care with community-based treatment providers.