Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117260

Michelle McKenzie, MPH¹, David Shield, BA¹, Clair McClung¹, Grace E. Macalino, PhD², and Josiah D. Rich, MD, MPH³. (1) Division of Immunology, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, CFAR Building, Providence, RI 02906, 401/793-4790, mmckenzie@lifespan.org, (2) Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts New England Medical Center (NEMC), 750 Washington St # 63, Boston, MA 02111, (3) Division of Immunology, The Miriam Hospital /Brown University, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of incarcerated individuals in the US have a history of opiate addiction. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is highly effective in the treatment of opiate addiction. The point of re-entry into the community is an opportune time for intervention because recently released inmates are at particularly high risk for drug relapse, overdose and disease transmission. We are implementing a 5-year, SAMHSA funded service initiative to link recently released ex-offenders to MMT. METHODS: We recruit clients at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, make logistical arrangements for methadone treatment entry upon release, and provide partial financial assistance for MMT for 24 weeks. Clients are followed for one year. RESULTS: As of January 2005 we enrolled 217 clients and completed 167 six-month interviews (87% follow-up), of which 52% remained in MMT. Overall, clients reported increased employment rates, and sizeable reduction in drug use and related risk behavior. Clients remaining in treatment at 6 months showed higher employment rates and greater reduction in heroin use, drug injection, and needle sharing than those who left treatment earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Six-month data suggests that linkage to MMT upon release, including short-term payment of methadone, is a valuable intervention that reduces illicit drug use and related risk behaviors, and increases overall stability among former inmates reentering the community.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize and articulate the importance of MMT for opiate addicted individuals who have recently left an incarcerated setting.
• Identify strategies to reduce logistical and financial barriers to MMT for inmates reentering the community.
• Discuss the effectiveness of MMT linkage and temporary treatment funding as an intervention.

Keywords: Methadone Maintenance, Prisoners Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation