Prison program helps inmates with drug problems
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
A new prison program aimed at helping inmates with drug problems is getting attention from the Obama administration. The nation’s top drug policy maker, Michael Boticelli, toured the women’s facility at the ACI Tuesday.
During his visit Boticelli heard stories from four inmates who are now on the road to recovery because of access to medicated treatment while incarcerated.
“We know that if we provide good treatment for people who are incarcerated that they are less likely to recidivate in the criminal justice system, they are much more likely to stay engaged in treatment,” he explained.
In April the ACI began administering methadone and suboxone to treat some of its inmates addicted to prescription painkillers or opoids—including heroin. The program doesn’t end once the inmates leave the facility. In fact, they will continue to get the support they need on the outside. That includes counseling, psychotherapy and help with educational and vocational needs.
The Department of Corrections hopes to grow the program in the near future. The General Assembly’s fiscal 2017 budget includes $2 million of Governor Raimonodo’s $2.5 million request to expand medication-assisted treatment in the state prisons.
Boticelli praised the state’s approach to dealing with the opioid epidemic.
“Part of the reason that we are here is not only to hear what more we can do at the federal level but to show how we can replicate programs like this across the country," he said.
With all that in place inmates enrolled in the program are optimistic they can break the cycle of relapse.
“I just want to get clean and sober and live a good life,” said Carrie O’Brien.
© WLNE-TV 2016
