Alaska Opioid Detox Program Aims to Prevent Inmate Overdose

The situation is high-risk. Inmates who are addicted to opioids face a high risk of overdose after release from prison, particularly when opioid withdrawal and detox are not medically managed, addiction experts warn. But a detox clinic in Alaska is working to prevent these opioid fatalities.

Jail Time Often Means No Medical Detox

While incarcerated, individuals who are addicted to opioids often don’t receive adequate treatment for opioid use disorder. Alaska’s Department of Corrections (DOC) offers short-term medication treatment in some cases, but this only lasts up to 30 days, unless the inmate is pregnant. 

For those who suddenly stop taking opioids, medical detox and withdrawal management are crucial. This process treats acute opioid withdrawal symptoms, provides medical supervision, and reduces the risk of complications, relapse and overdose.

However, inmates often don’t receive this level of care while incarcerated. 

And when they’re released, they may not get the care they need. Individuals receive information about available treatment in the area, but there are no transition services to help them follow up on this treatment. 

Lack of Treatment Means Higher Overdose Risk

Even a short stay in prison without access to medications can affect a person’s tolerance to opioids. When they are released, if they return to the same drug use as prior to their incarceration, they are at high risk for overdose. This tolerance makes post-incarceration detox planning and medication support especially critical.

Federal data revealed that 25% of overdoses in the U.S. in 2021 were individuals recently released from jail or prison.

The risk during incarceration is high as well. Without regulated treatment available, many turn to drugs available through the prison black market. They may consume contaminated drugs or take more than their bodies can handle.

Alaska’s Ninilchik Community Clinic Provides Hope for Inmates

Run by Alaska’s Ninilchik Village Tribe, the Ninilhik Community Clinic offers opioid detox and substance use treatment, including medication assisted treatment (MAT), medical withdrawal management and dual diagnosis treatment.

To help those who are facing time in prison or jail, the clinic provides treatment that they hope will allow inmates to make it through their sentence safely. The staff reviews court dockets for active warrants, and they try to get treatment for individuals before they start their sentence. 

Clients can receive an injection of an FDA approved medication used in opioid detox and withdrawal management, helping reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of opioid use while incarcerated. The hope is that this treatment will allow them to maintain sobriety until their release, when they can receive additional treatment through the clinic.

It’s not a perfect system, but until DOC policies change, clinic staff will continue doing what they can to help this at-risk population get the treatment they need.

Find Opioid Detox and Withdrawal Help in Alaska

If you or someone you love needs support during or after incarceration, medical opioid detox and withdrawal management can be life-saving.

Search for medical detox centers by location, level of care, and payment options, or call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) to get help right now.