Reducing Recidivism in Alaska Throough Access to Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone

Abstract

The goal of this evidence-based project was to provide access to extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) upon release from incarceration for individuals who had a self-identified substance or alcohol abuse history, and evaluate whether or not XR-NTX reduced recidivism in comparison with those who declined to use XR-NTX. This project was completed in collaboration with Partners Reentry Center, located in Anchorage, Alaska, who collected and offered retrospective de-identified data for this project. A total of 98 individuals with a self-identified history of substance or alcohol abuse were offered XR-NTX through Partners Reentry Center from September 15, 2015 to September 15, 2016. Of these, 52 were offered XR-NTX in the first six months of this evidenced-based quality improvement project. Of those who accepted XR-NTX (n = 32), 62% remained in the community at the end of 12 months from project initiation. Of those who declined XR-NTX (n = 20), 95% recidivated. The results of this project demonstrate the benefit of using XR-NTX in released prisoners to reduce recidivism. Implications for use the of XR-NTX in Alaska Department of Corrections inmates and the general population who meet criteria for use should be evaluated.