Evaluation of In-Jail Methadone Maintenance: Preliminary Results (From Drug Abuse Treatment in Prisons and Jails, P 192-210, 1992, Carl G Leukefeld and Frank M Tims, eds. -- See NCJ-138622)

• NCJ Number: 138635
• Author(s): S Magura; A Rosenblum; H Joseph
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA-05606
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reports on preliminary results from a process and impact evaluation of the Key Extended Entry Program (KEEP) in New York City's central jail facilities on Rikers Island. This enables addicts charged with misdemeanors to be maintained on a stable dose of methadone during their jail stay (average of 45 days) and to be referred at release to dedicated slots in participating community methadone programs.

Abstract

The core of the evaluation study was a longitudinal followup of a cohort of 225 randomly selected KEEP participants and controls to determine how well KEEP was being implemented and outcomes for participants compared with outcome for similar nonparticipants. Programmatic and process information was obtained by site visits to a sample of community KEEP clinics. Data were obtained on the characteristics of the KEEP population and on patients' postrelease reporting rates to methadone programs as well as treatment retention rates. The 6-month postrelease interview followup of KEEP participants and controls was completed after preparation of this report. The study found that although KEEP participants' intentions to enter community methadone treatment and expectations of remaining abstinent were high, continuation in treatment may be compromised by personal beliefs about the nature of addiction, the efficacy of treatment, and unrealistic concerns about the side effects of methadone. Another serious barrier to the engagement of releasees in community treatment was their level of severe personal and social deficits; most were without stable living quarters or social supports, and they were heavily involved in property crimes. Methadone programs generally have only limited ability to assist KEEP clients in obtaining the social, vocational, housing, medical, and individualized supportive counseling they need to break the cycle of addiction and crime. Preliminary recommendations are offered based on these findings. 7 tables, 3 notes, and 21 references