Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Winter 1-29-2026
Abstract
Goal Statement
The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to reduce relapse risk among individuals with opioid use disorder who are reentering society after their release from a Delaware correctional facility, by enhancing clinical continuity of care, including counseling, relapse-prevention planning, and linkage to community-based treatment programs.
Significant Findings
This portfolio aims to raise the awareness that justice-involved individuals with opioid use disorder in Delaware face extremely high rates of relapse, overdose, and death during the post-release period, particularly within the first few weeks and months after reentering society. This is often due to abrupt discontinuation of treatment, reduced tolerance to opioids, and inadequate support. National and statewide data shows high prevalence of substance use disorder among incarcerated individuals and disproportionate overdose related deaths following release from incarceration, thus highlighting the emergent need of coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies. Research and state reports recommend integrated reentry planning, access to treatment during incarceration, case management, and stigma reduction as critical components of effective relapse-prevention models. Applying the social-ecological model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Communication Theory suggest that multilevel strategies targeting individual skills, family education/support, peer support, community resources, and policy reforms are needed to promote long-term recovery and social stability in Delaware.
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps
Implement standardized reentry policies/procedures in Delaware correctional facilities that include screening for opioid use disorder, initiation or continuation of medication-assisted treatment, and written continuity of care plans linking individuals to community providers prior to their release such as outpatient treatment programs, sober living houses, medicated assisted treatment providers, peer support groups, and behavioral health resources/agencies.
Develop integrated, evidence-based reentry programs that combine cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducational groups (i.e. relapse prevention, overdose risk, treatment options), and motivational interviewing, that begin during incarceration and then continue post release.
Expand collaborations with community-based partnerships such as peer recovery organizations, recovery housing programs, and local coalitions to provide transportation, case management, and peer mentoring for a minimum of the first six to twelve months post release.
Create culturally responsive, stigma-reducing communication campaigns and community education events as suggested by the Communication theory, to normalize recovery, increase support for justice involved-individuals with opioid use disorders, and promote acceptance of opioid use disorder treatment modalities in Delaware.
Advocate at the policy level for sustained funding and regulations that ensure uninterrupted Medicaid coverage, routine availability/access of various treatment options for opioid use disorders during incarceration, and statewide implementation of evidence-based reentry standards aligned with SAMHSA and Delaware’s Overdose Review Commission’s recommendations.
