Preparing for Success at Reentry: Therapeutic Programs for People with Substance Use Disorders

Nearly two-thirds of people in jail have a substance use disorder, and an estimated 25 percent have an opioid use disorder. Numerous studies (and common sense) have found that starting treatment while incarcerated and helping connect individuals to treatment immediately upon release significantly improves their chances of success when they return home. Yet far too few people have that chance. A 2024 study found that less than half of jails offered medication for opioid use disorder, and fewer than one-fifth were able to offer it to everyone who requested it. And once released, far too few people are able to continue their treatment in the community, given the overall lack of treatment beds, providers and insurance or Medicaid eligibility. Yet finding a way to meet people’s treatment needs is essential to getting people fully reintegrated into the community with the best chance of avoiding relapse and re-arrest.

What can state and local governments and their community partners do with the resources they have? Our speakers bring a depth of experience to the challenge. Each is a leader in designing and running therapeutic programs in carceral settings and in the community, and in the effective use of medications for opioid use disorder. 

Join us to learn about what they do, how they do it, and the lessons they have learned. The speakers are: 
• Doug Huntsinger, Executive Director, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
• Mike McAfee, Interdepartmental Project Manager, SUD Services, Rhode Island Department of Corrections
• Bethany Contreras, Manager, Addiction and Criminal Justice Services, Medium Security and Women’s Division, Providence Center
• Dave Ryan, Senior Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives, Health and Reentry Project (HARP)
• Steve Seitchik is Associate Director, Government Affairs and Criminal Justice Policy, Braeburn