Exploring how police can divert individuals with opioid use disorder to treatment instead of arrest.
Police Diversion to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study
This study looks at how well police programs that help people with opioid use disorder get treatment instead of being arrested work, and it aims to understand what influences police officers' choices in these situations, all to help improve health outcomes for those struggling with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895405 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of police diversion programs that redirect individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) to treatment rather than arrest. It examines the factors influencing police officers' decisions to either divert or arrest individuals, focusing on the impact of stigma and attitudes towards medication-assisted treatment. By utilizing qualitative methods, the study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators to successful diversion, ultimately seeking to improve health outcomes for those affected by OUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who may encounter law enforcement and could benefit from treatment diversion programs.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved with law enforcement or do not have opioid use disorder may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment access for individuals with opioid use disorder, reducing overdose deaths and enhancing public health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that police diversion programs can be effective in improving treatment access for individuals with substance use disorders, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Del Pozo, Brandon — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Del Pozo, Brandon
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.