Re-entry Needs Among a Population with Co-occurring Opioid Use and Mental Health Disorders in Massachusetts, USA Jails: Part of a National Plan to Address the Opioid Epidemic

Abstract

Introduction. Studies show that the release from jail is a vulnerable transition for individuals with opioid use disorder re-entering their communities. Less is known about individuals with co-occurring mental health and opioid use disorders (COD), particularly their specific needs following release. Objectives. To describe the needs of people with COD within two weeks of release jail. Methods. Baseline data from 155 individuals with COD were collected within two weeks of release from jail across 9 counties in Massachusetts. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine baseline needs. Results. The majority of participants were male (78.7%), White (64.5%), and non-Hispanic (75.5%). The most relevant needs among participants were employment (88.4% were unemployed), opioid overdose prevention (67.7% had at least one non-fatal opioid overdose), mental health symptoms (participants reported anxiety or tension an average of 8.9 days in the past 30 days), and trauma support/treatment (71.6% reported at least one traumatic event in their lifetime). Conclusions. Individuals with COD re-entering their communities have critical needs that must be addressed upon release.