Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Stephen A. Morreale

Abstract

Many people brought into the U.S. criminal justice system have substance abuse problems that served as the primary or secondary catalyst for offending. To treat substance use disorder in these individuals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is being evaluated as a viable option in the criminal justice system. The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a MAT treatment program by reviewing existing data regarding offenders who were receiving the opioid antagonist naltrexone, other supplemental medications, and cognitive behavior therapy in a therapeutic community inside a correctional setting. Biological and social learning theoretical frameworks guided the study. Secondary data were collected from quarterly reports submitted to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Findings of t-test analyses indicated that participants had increases in overall brain health and decreases in symptoms of anxiety and depression after successful completion of the program. Findings may create positive social change by informing evidence-based practices and programs that seek to resolve addiction issues and support resiliency for individuals released from the criminal justice system and allow jail administrators a means of providing services that will not jeopardize institutional security.

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