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SAMHSA Radio News Line

Individuals with a Substance-Use Disorder Who Are Exiting the Criminal-Justice System Benefit from Healthy Housing Environments

Posted: July 23rd, 2006, 5:00pm PDT

Enclosure: [download]

(BEARD OPEN):
When a prisoner with a substance-use disorder is released, and re-enters society, he or she faces many challenges which may increase the risk of relapse. Many prisoners, after release, have no place to live, no job, and no family or social supports; they often lack the knowledge and skills to access available resources for adjustment to life on the outside. These factors can significantly increase the risk of relapse and recidivism. Larry Wilson, supervisory therapist of jail addiction services at the Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Health and Human Services, says a safe place to live, and a positive environment, are key elements to maintaining recovery.

(WILSON):.
"One of the things, the challenges, for anyone coming out of the criminal-justice system is a safe place to live. And, when we talk about recidivism rates, I think, most of the time, people recidivate because they go back into unhealthy environments. And, if you're in an environment that's positive, then you're more apt to go report to your probation officer, go to get the services that, you know, you're scheduled to get, and whatnot. So, it's a huge part of re-entry from the criminal-justice system."

(BEARD CLOSE):.
Experts say that--because safe, secure, and substance-free housing is so important, and often difficult to obtain--a housing plan should be in place before release from incarceration. For more information about available housing plans, and other substance-use-disorder treatment services available to ex-offenders, visit www.samhsa.gov. For the "SAMHSA Newsline", I'm Bill Beard..

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