Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

WELLNESS

service plans are developed during the intake process and reviewed as part of the discharge planning process. By combining intensive treatment, peer support, and overdose education, FRP does not just treat addiction— it saves lives. It ensures participants have the knowledge and resources needed to break free from the cycle of overdose and addiction, offering a second chance at a sober, healthier life.

RIDUP offers intensive SUD programing and cogni tive restructuring. This includes morning motivational meetings, programming by Spectrum Health Systems treatment staff, interactive journal curriculum from The Change Companies, 12–Step Meetings and continuing care planning after program completion. In addition, two inmate peer recovery specialists live in residence with participants and offer peer support and group facilita

tion. All these elements work in concert to support the mission of this program which is to turn a moment of crisis into an oppor tunity for lasting transformation. Aftercare Program: Ensuring stability after treatment The VADOC opened an Af tercare Center in April of 2024 at Green Rock Correctional Center. This residential treatment com munity offers additional support for inmates who completed RIDUP or who completed FRP and were assessed as needing continuing care recovery support. The first two weeks of residency

Residential Illicit Drug Use Program: Creating a safe place for change The Residential Illicit Drug Use Program (RIDUP) is another critical element in VA DOC’s strategy to create safer, substance-free environments for recovery. This program was launched in 2023, at Greensville Correctional Center (GCC), for inmates who have experienced one verified overdose. RIDUP is designed to keep illicit sub stances out of inmates’ reach, providing a secure housing unit at Greensville Correctional Center that can act as sanctuary

“VADOC’s commitment to treating addiction as a disease — not a character flaw — highlights a compassionate approach that prioritizes health and rehabilitation over stigma and judgment.”

where they can focus entirely on healing. The RIDUP program can house inmates from across the state, at all security levels. This housing unit is physically separate from other buildings at GCC and there are special protocols for inmates and staff entering and exiting the unit. These protocols include dedicated officers and treatment staff, and additional screenings to ensure dangerous contra band does not enter this treatment program for some of the most vulnerable inmates. By removing the tempta tions and triggers of substance use, the program creates a safe space where recovery can truly take root. RIDUP empowers participants to make lasting changes in their lives. The focus for participants during this time is squarely on recovery. Distractions such as tablets are removed and reintroduced as participants progress in treatment.

occurs separate from the general population. Then inmates are reintroduced into the general population with robust support. The program provides 4-6 months of evidenced based SUD continuing care, including PRS engagement. Cognitive Therapeutic Community Programs: A longstanding commitment to treatment success In addition to these more recent initiatives, the VADOC has, for over three decades, been home to Cog nitive Therapeutic Community Programs (CTCs). These are offered at Indian Creek Correctional Center and the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. The CTC Programs are highly structured to cultivate a culture of

Corrections Today | Summer 2025

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