The adoption and sustainability of digital therapeutics in justice systems: A pilot feasibility study
This study explored whether participants with substance use disorder (SUD) would adopt and use a smart-phone app with a cognitive behavioral therapy program, weekly Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) assessments, daily check-ins, tools to track sobriety and treatment, and other patient-centered…
The association between attitudes and the provision of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in United States jails
MOUD is prevalent among individuals who are incarcerated, yet medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are not widely available in US jails and prisons. Negative staff attitudes across the criminal legal system may prevent MOUD from being provided. We sought…
The impact of COVID-19 on the treatment of opioid use disorder in carceral facilities: a cross-sectional study
While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery everywhere, persons with carceral system involvement and opioid use disorder (OUD) were disproportionately impacted and vulnerable to severe COVID-associated illness. Carceral settings and community treatment programs (CTPs) rapidly developed protocols to sustain healthcare…
The protective effect of trusted dealers against opioid overdose in the U.S.
This study among 92 individuals who use drugs in Providence, Rhode Island, examined the relationship between drug users and suppliers, and how it is connected to overdose risk. Results indicate that greater substance harm reduction in Providence is associated with…
The Relationship between Substance Use Stigma and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Two parallel public health epidemics affecting the United States include the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in substance use disorders (SUDs). Limited research has examined the potential relationship between these two epidemics. Our objective was therefore to perform an exploratory…
The Role of Conversational Agents for Substance Use Disorder in Social Distancing Contexts
The COVID-19 pandemic and its related policies, such as social distancing orders, affected the ability for people with substance use disorders (SUD) to seek prevention and treatment. In this commentary, we introduce conversational agents, a type of social technology. We…
Treatment court staffs’ perceptions in support of the use of virtual services in court post-pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional courthouse operations, resulting in the abrupt and extensive adoption of virtual court proceedings. To date, limited empirical research has evaluated virtual treatment courts. Utilizing a novel national survey administered to 358 treatment court team members,…