Mon Sep 09 14:17:29 UTC 2024: ## Maine Jail’s Long-Acting Opioid Treatment Shows Promise for Releasing Prisoners

**Somerset County, Maine:** A groundbreaking pilot project at the Somerset County Jail has shown promising results in helping prisoners with opioid addiction transition back into society. Instead of the traditional daily buprenorphine pills, the jail switched to a long-acting, monthly injection, Sublocade, which significantly reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for a month.

The results, detailed in a recent analysis published in the journal Health and Justice, reveal a stark difference: **former prisoners who received the injections were three times as likely to continue treatment than those who received daily pills.** Furthermore, none of the former Somerset prisoners who received the shots died from overdoses, while three prisoners from the comparison jail died from overdoses within three months of release.

The program has garnered positive feedback from both former inmates and staff. “The shot was really freeing,” shared Amanda, a former prisoner who asked to remain anonymous, “It made me feel like a regular person.” Jason Downs, another former inmate, credits the injection for helping him maintain steady employment.

Despite the success, the program faces hurdles: Sublocade is significantly more expensive than the daily pill, requiring the jail to rely on grants. Additionally, the injection requires specialized certification for doctors, refrigeration, and can be painful for some patients.

The Somerset County jail’s experience highlights the potential of long-acting opioid treatment in reducing overdose deaths and supporting recovery among the incarcerated. With continued funding and wider adoption, this innovative approach could offer a lifeline to those struggling with addiction, providing a crucial buffer during their transition back to life outside prison walls.

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