Original research
by
Boulger, Jordan K. et al
Release Date
2021
Geography
USA
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
No
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
No
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
Substance use disorder researchers and treatment professionals have long recognized that risk of opioid-related mortality (ORM) is elevated after release from jail and prison. However, there are gaps in knowledge around ORM among people on probation and the relationship of ORM to drug testing and treatment referral while under supervision.
Findings/Key points
Individuals on probation were fifteen times more likely to die from ORM than the general county population, largely driven by fentanyl (detected in 86.8% of deaths). Risk was elevated for clients over age 45, clients with at least one positive drug test for opioids or cocaine , and clients with previous placements in drug treatment. Positive urine tests for opioids were associated with 80 times greater risk of ORM than the general population. Although Black clients experienced ORM in greater numbers, white clients had relatively greater ORM risk.
Design/methods
We joined mortality records and probation records for 2018 and 2019 to determine the rate of ORM for the probation population.
Keywords
Overdose
Mortality
Equity
About PWUD
Social services
Outcomes
Legal system/law enforcement
Illegal drugs
