Corrections_Today_January_February_2023_Vol.85_No.1

Introduction T he prevalence rates among prisoners with alcohol and drug addiction-related issues continue to be high. Research indicates substance use disorders are widespread among those imprisoned, including dependence on alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin and stimulants (Lynch et al., 2014; Proctor, 2012a, 2012b). Many correctional institutions have limitations regarding the levels of care offered for addiction recovery services which fall outside of the criteria established by the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM); simultaneously, there is an increase in drug-positive results across the general population. As such, state correctional facilities see the need to partner with substance use treatment providers to implement current evidence-based treatment interventions. This article addresses a partnership between a state correctional system and a single-state authorized alcohol and drug treatment system to implement a blended care approach comprised of medication-assisted treatment and a peer support program. The outcome of this partnership yielded employment opportunities for previous prisoners who are now certified Peer Support Specialists employable at the various alcohol and drug community treatment facilities. Once identified by an inmate number, prisoners are now recognized by credentialing letters. A collaboration project between the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and the South Carolina Department of Corrections 2022

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Corrections Today January/February 2023— 29