Sugarman et al.’s (2020) review highlights the critical need for evidence-based interventions that address both opioid use disorder (OUD) and the social determinants of health (SDOH) for incarcerated adults. Several key arguments support this conclusion:

1. Intertwined Factors: OUD doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Social determinants like poverty, housing instability, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare play a significant role in both initiating and maintaining opioid use. These factors create chronic stress, lack of opportunity, and limited coping mechanisms, making individuals more vulnerable to addiction.
2. Addressing Root Causes: Treating OUD alone, without addressing the underlying SDOH, risks superficial recovery and high relapse rates upon release. Addressing SDOH empowers individuals to build resilience, access resources, and navigate challenges beyond just the addiction itself.
3. Long-Term Success: Addressing SDOH can improve post-release outcomes like employment, stable housing, and overall well-being. This, in turn, reduces recidivism, promoting public safety and reducing societal costs associated with reincarceration.

Criminal Justice System Addressing SDOH:

The criminal justice system can incorporate SDOH considerations in treatment programs through various strategies:

• Screening and Assessment: Implement comprehensive assessments that identify individual SDOH needs alongside OUD diagnosis. This allows for tailored interventions addressing specific challenges each individual faces.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with community-based organizations, social service agencies, and healthcare providers to offer resources and support for housing, education, job training, and healthcare access.
• Reentry Planning: Focus on reentry planning that facilitates access to stable housing, employment opportunities, and healthcare coverage upon release. This provides a safety net and reduces the risk of relapse due to SDOH-related challenges.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Recognize the high prevalence of trauma among incarcerated individuals and employ trauma-informed care practices in treatment programs. This fosters a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for broader criminal justice reforms that address systemic issues contributing to SDOH disparities, such as poverty, racial injustice, and inadequate access to social services.

Conclusion:

By integrating SDOH considerations into OUD treatment programs, the criminal justice system can move beyond symptom management and address the root causes of addiction. This holistic approach promotes long-term recovery, reduces recidivism, and fosters a more just and effective system for individuals struggling with OUD.

Remember, implementing these strategies requires a systemic shift with ongoing collaboration between various stakeholders within the criminal justice system and the broader community.