People reentering the community from incarceration are at the highest risk of an overdose or death during the first 48 hours. However, reentry professionals and family members can help to mitigate this risk. Two new guides from the CSG Justice Center and Addiction Policy Forum, with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, seek to promote effective recovery strategies for reentry professionals and offer tips and resources for families to support their loved ones.
Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Overdose Risk During Reentry: A Primer for Reentry Professionals. This guide provides an overview for reentry professionals on how to mitigate the heightened risk of overdose that people face immediately upon reentering their communities. In it, we highlight five best practices to reduce the chances of overdose that range from using medications to treat opioid use disorders to developing relapse prevention plans.
Understanding Overdose Risk for People Reentering the Community: An Informational Guide for Families. This guide touches on the critical role families play in the recovery process and outlines practical ways families can support their loved ones in avoiding relapse and overdose during reentry. It also offers tips and online resources that can help families facilitate access to treatment, foster positive social connections, and navigate the challenges of reentry.
By offering actionable advice that is grounded in the latest research, these guides can help equip professionals and families with the knowledge and resources necessary for fostering recovery and preventing overdose.