Understanding how the criminal legal system affects recovery from opioid use disorder
Official title: Examining the Impact of the Criminal Legal System on Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery: A Socioecological Perspective
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11092254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the legal system affects people with opioid use disorder and their recovery, especially in communities hit hard by the opioid crisis, and it invites participants to share their personal stories through photos to help us understand their experiences better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,292 |
| NIH project number | 5R36DA061317-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who have had interactions with the criminal legal system, particularly those living in communities affected by the opioid crisis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or have not interacted with the criminal legal system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the criminal legal system in the treatment and recovery of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). It employs a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative analysis of community experiences and social network influences on treatment completion. By focusing on communities heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic, the study aims to uncover both the supportive and potentially harmful effects of legal system involvement on recovery. Participants will share their experiences through Photovoice, allowing for a deeper understanding of the socioecological factors at play.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and support systems for individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved with the criminal legal system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the intersection of legal systems and substance use can lead to significant improvements in treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Booty, Marisa D. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Booty, Marisa D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This grant studies how to help residential treatment programs provide medications for opioid use disorder to reduce overdoses after discharge, focusing on real-world settings and policies.
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Increasing Capacity at a Native Community Clinic to Improve Opioid Care for urban AI/AN
This grant helps a Native American health clinic build its research capacity to better serve urban American Indian and Alaska Native people dealing with opioid use disorder and related health issues.
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.