Helping former prisoners with substance use disorders stay sober after release

Improving Outcomes and Equity for Released Prisoners with SUD: Trajectories of Participation in Pre-Release and Post-Release MOUD, Peer Navigation, and Outcomes

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11082392

This study is looking at how giving medication for opioid use disorder before people leave prison, along with support from peers after they get out, can help those with substance use issues have a safer and more successful return to their communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11082392 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) who are released from prison. It investigates the effectiveness of providing medication for opioid use disorder before release and peer navigation support after release. By analyzing data from a large cohort of individuals who have received these interventions, the research aims to identify which components work best, for whom, and the barriers to success. The goal is to enhance safe re-entry into the community and reduce the risk of overdose.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with substance use disorders who are preparing for or have recently been released from prison.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the criminal justice system or do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of substance use relapse and overdose among released prisoners.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at supporting individuals with substance use disorders during re-entry into the community.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.