Opiate replacement therapy at time of release from incarceration: Project MOD, a pilot program.

Abstract

Approximately 7 million people in the United States are in jail, in prison, or on probation or parole, many as a result of drug-related offenses. Individuals who use opiates account for a significant minority of this population. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) of opiate addiction is highly effective in reducing drug use, drug-related criminal activity, and risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Recently released inmates are at particularly high risk for overdose and disease transmission. Project MOD (Managing Opioid Dependency) provides services to eliminate logistical and financial barriers to MMT entry immediately on release from incarceration. Such programs provide a promising opportunity to facilitate reentry into the community, combat disease transmission, and reduce recidivism.