Introduction
The issue of opioid overdose, particularly among women recently released from incarceration, is a pressing public health concern. The study titled "Reducing Overdose After Release from Incarceration (ROAR): Study Protocol for an Intervention to Reduce Risk of Fatal and Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose Among Women After Release from Prison" offers a promising approach to addressing this issue. By utilizing extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) and peer support systems, the study aims to reduce opioid overdose rates among this vulnerable population. This blog will explore how practitioners can implement the study's findings to improve outcomes for justice-involved women.
Understanding the ROAR Study
The ROAR study targets women with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD) in the week before their release from prison. Participants begin treatment with XR-NTX, an injectable opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids for up to a month. Additionally, they receive naloxone training and nasal naloxone kits at release. A certified recovery mentor (CRM) supports them in maintaining treatment engagement for six months post-release.
Key Findings and Implications
Data-driven insights from the ROAR study suggest several actionable strategies:
- Pre-release Initiation of XR-NTX: Initiating XR-NTX treatment before release has been shown to improve retention rates in treatment programs. Practitioners should consider incorporating pre-release XR-NTX administration into their treatment protocols.
- Peer Support Systems: The study highlights the importance of peer support, particularly through CRMs, in facilitating treatment adherence and reducing overdose risk. Implementing structured peer support programs can enhance recovery outcomes.
- Comprehensive Training: Training participants in naloxone administration and overdose prevention is crucial. Practitioners should ensure that such training is a standard component of post-release support.
Encouraging Further Research
While the ROAR study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and the effectiveness of combining XR-NTX with other community-based services. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research efforts and to share their findings to build a robust evidence base for effective interventions.
Conclusion
The ROAR study offers a promising framework for reducing opioid overdose among women post-incarceration. By adopting data-driven strategies such as pre-release XR-NTX initiation and peer support systems, practitioners can significantly improve treatment outcomes for this high-risk population. For those interested in delving deeper into the study, the original research paper can be accessed here.
