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Treatment of SUD in Jails and Prisons

Explore educational resources that build evidence-based SUD treatment skills, reduce stigma, and strengthen coordination between correctional and healthcare systems to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals. 

About the Education

This education program consists of two components- an online course, and a microlearning video series designed for healthcare professionals involved in or interested in the identification, treatment, and coordination of care for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in correctional settings. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, social workers, counselors, correctional care providers, and students. 

This education provides an introduction to evidence-based SUD treatment in correctional settings. Participants will explore the prevalence and impact of SUD among justice-involved populations, with a focus on validated screening and assessment, safe withdrawal management, and the use of medications and behavioral interventions for opioid and alcohol use disorders. The program also addresses stigma, patient-centered care, and the coordination of treatment across legal, clinical, and community systems, with particular attention to continuity of care, reentry planning, and overdose prevention. 

What You'll Learn 

 After completing this education, learners will be able to:  

  1. Describe the prevalence and impact of substance use disorders (SUD) among individuals in jails and prisons. 
  2. Identify acute substance withdrawal, including appropriate assessment tools, key clinical risks, and treatment approaches in jails and prisons.
  3. Apply evidence-based strategies for screening, assessment, and treatment of SUD in jails and prisons.
  4. Examine the impact of stigma on individuals with SUD and incorporate patient-centered approaches that support engagement in care.
  5. Identify strategies to support continuity of care during incarceration and reentry, including overdose prevention and linkage to community-based treatment.

Featured Course

  • Product Image: Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Jails and Prisons Course

    Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Jails and Prisons Course
    Product not yet rated Includes Credits
    Component Credit Type State/Medical Type Available Credits Earned Credits
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical Physician - On-Demand 2.00 0.00
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical Nursing/NP - On-Demand 2.00 0.00
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical PA - On-Demand 2.00 0.00
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical Counselor - On-Demand 2.00 0.00
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical Non-Physician - On-Demand 2.00 0.00
    Claim Credit & Certificate Medical Addiction Counselors (NAADAC Credit) – On-Demand 2.00 0.00

    This 2-hour self-paced online course provides a foundational understanding of evidence-based substance use disorder (SUD) care in jails and prisons.

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      • Emeritus Member - Free!
      • Provisional Member - Free!
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      • CRT Member - Free!

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ASAM Clinical Tips: Treating SUD in Jails and Prisons

The microlearning video series explores how evidence-based addiction treatment and alcohol withdrawal management can transform justice settings- improving culture, enhancing safety, strengthening staff collaboration, and supporting consistent, high-quality care. 

  • Implementing MOUD Improves Safety, Culture, and Public Health: (Video: 7 min 35 sec) Dr. Justin Berk discusses why treating opioid use disorder in correctional settings matters and how medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can improve safety, reduce overdose deaths, support recovery, and strengthen facility culture. He also addresses common concerns about diversion, highlights implementation strategies that work, and reviews the evidence supporting MOUD as a standard of care in jails and prisons. References

  • Managing Alcohol Withdrawal in Jail Settings: (Video: 9 min 22 sec) Dr. Joseph Muller reviews evidence-based approaches to managing alcohol withdrawal in jail settings. Learn how to identify individuals at risk, assess withdrawal severity using validated tools, determine the appropriate level of care, initiate treatment, and monitor patient progress. This video also covers risk factors for severe withdrawal, medication management, supportive care, and indications for transfer to a higher level of care. References

Acknowledgement

This content has been made available in part by an unrestricted educational grant from Braeburn. No input or influence from Braeburn was included in the development of educational content. As an ACCME Provider, ASAM follows the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence for Accredited Continuing Education stating that owners and employees of ineligible companies are excluded from participating as planners or faculty and must not be allowed to influence or control any aspect of the planning, delivery, or evaluation of accredited continuing education.