Brolin, M., Dennehy, K., Booxbaum, A., & Horgan, C. (2015). Improving Access to Substance Abuse Treatment and Reducing Incarceration and Recidivism. Issue brief (Massachusetts Health Policy Forum), (44), 1–46. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27911072/ 

This reference presents Massachusetts’ strategic plan to improve access to substance abuse treatment and reduce incarceration and recidivism within the state. The report recommends: (1) implementing a pre‐arrest program to divert low‐level drug offenders to treatment, (2) enhancing and expanding specialty courts throughout the state, (3) increasing access to medication‐assisted treatment (MAT), and (4) expanding a Medicaid enrollment program in DOC and HOC facilities to improve access to healthcare services immediately upon release. This is a useful resource for those interested in reading about state-level strategic planning to address the opioid crisis and overdose among populations involved with the justice system. 

Bottom Line: This issue brief explains Massachusetts’ plan for increasing access to substance use treatment with the aim of reducing incarceration and recidivism.