i_opioidsubstance_2017a_2017-08-22t09:36:32z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/22/2017

Location: RM 271

10:55 AM -- Opioid Issues in Correctional Facilities



Melissa Roberts, Division of Adult Parole, Department of Corrections (DOC), discussed the use of Vivitrol, a once-monthly medication used to help prevent relapse to opioid dependency, in MAT for parolees. She talked about the challenges facing parolees with substance use disorders and the 2013 DOC Vivtrol pilot program, which indicated that MAT is effective in reducing the chance that a parolee will return to department custody. Committee discussion and questions followed.





11:08 AM



Glenn Tapia, Community Corrections, Department of Public Safety (DPS), distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment D). Mr. Tapia provided the committee with background about Colorado's community corrections system. He discussed the cost to DPS for treating clients with substance use disorders and mental health disorders as well as the intensive residential treatment programs within DPS. He discussed matching clients to need assessments and the types of treatment needed to reduce the recidivism rates.



17Opioid0822AttachD.pdf



11:20 AM



Committee discussion followed. Mr. Tapia discussed the use of amphetamines and opioids by individuals in community corrections. He stated that program quality matters when providing substance use disorder treatment. Mr. Tapia responded to questions from the committee about drug related deaths within DOC. He told the committee that 289 offenders in DOC receive MAT. Mr. Tapia and committee members dialogued about potential benefits of merging DOC and DPS drug rehabilitation programs. Mr. Tapia discussed treating drug abuse through a program that provides support for all of the contributing factors of the addiction.





11:32 AM



The committee discussed the tools used by community correction to identify mental illness in clients. Mr. Tapia stated that mood disorders appear to be the most prevalent disorders of this population.