Substance Use in the General Population
Substance use continues to pose a significant challenge to our society, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. According to the CDC, there were more than 109,000 overdoses in 2022. Recent data from SAMSHA shows that, in 2022, 48.7 million people (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD. As far-reaching and devastating as this is, substance use disorders in the incarcerated population far exceed these alarming numbers.
Substance Use Disorder in Incarcerated Individuals
The prevalence of SUD among incarcerated individuals is even more startling. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 65% of inmates in state prisons and 55% of those in federal prisons meet the criteria for an SUD.
The reasons behind this disparity of SUD in incarcerated individuals, when compared to the general population, are complex, and include:
- Lack of Access to Treatment: While prisons provide medical care, access to evidence-based addiction treatment remains limited.
- Recidivism: The revolving door of incarceration worsens SUD. Released inmates face immense challenges reintegrating into society, leading them to relapse and re-offend.
- Health Consequences Incarcerated individuals with SUD experience a host of health issues:
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- Withdrawal
- Many inmates arrive at prison already dependent on substances. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, affecting their physical and mental well-being.
- Co-occurring Disorders
- SUD often coexists with mental health conditions. Without proper treatment, these dual diagnoses contribute to a cycle of incarceration and relapse.
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Overdose Risks in the Soon-to-be-Released Population
Research shows that more than 50% of individuals released from correctional facilities with a history of drug use relapse within a month of their release[1], which is why it is vitally important for those previously incarcerated to get treatment for substance use during their transition home. Here’s why:
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- Very few prisons offer medication for substance use disorder.
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- People released from incarceration are 40 times more likely to die of an overdose in the first two weeks after release compared to the general population.[2]
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- The risk of overdose death is highest among recently released women.
Crossroads knows that the transition from incarceration back to home can be challenging for people with substance use disorder. That’s why we’ve made the process for people to get treatment as easy as possible.
Our outpatient treatment centers provide medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder. Programs that provide these types of medications to formerly incarcerated individuals reduce the risk of fatal overdose by 80%.[3] We also provide counseling and case management to help support sobriety. We are 100% HIPAA compliant and will ensure confidential information is protected.
How to Get Started
For Potential Patients
If this sounds like the program for you, it’s easy to get started. Click here to begin your journey to recovery. You’ve taken the first step and are reentering society. Let’s take the second step together and ensure that you can live a life in recovery!
For Referrals
Referring to Crossroads is a simple, quick and effective way to provide many benefits to your soon-to-be-released population. Studies have demonstrated that MAT reduces the following:
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- Recidivism or reincarceration;
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- Opioid relapse;
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- Emergency Room visits; and
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- Days lost from work.
Why Choose Crossroads?
Instant Intake®: Patients can access treatment through a virtual or in-person appointment – usually within 24 hours or less. We also offer bridge prescriptions, which can provide medication if the patient cannot be seen immediately at one of our centers.
• We provide treatment to more than 25,000 patients per month.
• We’ve received more than 12,000 5-star reviews on Google
To make a referral, please call our VIP line at 866-628-0143
[1] Virginia Mercury June 8 Guest Column, “How to Give Incarcerated People a Fighting Chance against Opioids,” Virginia Mercury, June 8, 2023
[2] Virginia Mercury June 8 Guest Column, “How to Give Incarcerated People a Fighting Chance against Opioids,” Virginia Mercury, June 8, 2023
[3] Virginia Mercury June 8 Guest Column, “How to Give Incarcerated People a Fighting Chance against Opioids,” Virginia Mercury, June 8, 2023.