In our final episode in this season, we are guided by the history of racialized drug policy in the U.S. The researchers whose work we discuss use the five components of the structural competency framework as a way to suggest avenues that may change our understanding treatment planning for individuals from historically minoritized groups. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Jackson, D. S., Tiako, M. J. N., & Jordan, A. (2022). Disparities in addiction treatment: learning from the past to forge an equitable future. Medical Clinics, 106(1), 29-41.

In this episode, we discuss a project from researchers who summarized existing information regarding what we know and do not know about people with disabilities and substance use disorder (SUD). This work suggests a need for improved attention to the unique needs of people with disabilities who may need treatment for SUDs. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Reif, S., & Mitra, M. (2022). The complexities of substance use disorder and people with disabilities: Current perspectives. Disability and Health Journal, 101285.

In a follow up to episode 7 on pregnant people and MOUD the study we cover in episode 8 reports on the prevalence of OUD-related hospital use during the postpartum period. The researchers also assess how prenatal treatment for OUD is associated with postpartum OUD-related hospital use. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Martin, C. E., Britton, E., Shadowen, H., Bachireddy, C., Harrell, A., Zhao, X., & Cunningham, P. (2023). Disparities in opioid use disorder–related hospital use among postpartum Virginia Medicaid members. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, 208935.

The study we cover in this episode considers medication for opioid use disorder treatment among individuals who are pregnant. The researchers report interesting findings related to pregnancy and race/ethnicity and suggest some reasons for disparities including stigma and Medicaid access.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Khachikian, T., Amaro, H., Guerrero, E., Kong, Y., & Marsh, J. C. (2022). Disparities in opioid treatment access and retention among women based on pregnancy status from 2006 to 2017. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 2, 100030.

This episode takes an in-depth look at gender disparities and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (typically medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and counseling). The researchers report some interesting findings and also make recommendations for improving MOUD care for women.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Guerrero, E., Amaro, H., Kong, Y., Khachikian, T., & Marsh, J. C. (2021). Gender disparities in opioid treatment progress in methadone versus counseling. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 16(1), 52.

This episode discusses research that finds that very few of the U.S. substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities that advertised having LGBTQIA+ specific services actually reported offering them. The research explores stigma, bias, and discrimination, and posits a strong need for LGBTQIA+ affirming care.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Paschen-Wolff, M. M., Velasquez, R., Aydinoglo, N., & Campbell, A. N. (2022). Simulating the experience of searching for LGBTQ-specific opioid use disorder treatment in the United States. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 140, 108828

Following up on the COVID theme from episode 3, this episode considers researchers examine the social determinants of health (SDoH) related to substance use disorder (SUD) and the social-structural interventions that may help to stop SUD-related deaths that are accelerated by COVID. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Hansen, H., Jordan, A., Plough, A., Alegria, M., Cunningham, C., & Ostrovsky, A. (2022). Lessons for the opioid crisis—Integrating social determinants of health into clinical care. American Journal of Public Health, 112(S2), S109-S111.

We all know that COVID brought with it many challenges. This is true as well for individuals with substance use disorders who are engaged in (or trying to engage) in treatment. In this episode, we explore the ways COVID impacted particular racial groups with substance use disorders (SUDs) and provide some suggestions on how to improve treatment processes for the future.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Tiako, M. J. N. (2021). Addressing racial & socioeconomic disparities in access to medications for opioid use disorder amid COVID-19. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 122.

In this episode, we discuss research examining racial disparities in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment enrollment and transportation to treatment on the same day when the patient has a peer support specialist (PSS). The results suggest some strong positive effects and the researchers provide several recommendations for improving treatment access and enrollment. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Webb, C. P., Huecker, M., Shreffler, J., McKinley, B. S., Khan, A. M., & Shaw, I. (2022). Racial disparities in linkage to care among patients with substance use disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 137, 108691.

This episode looks at research that examines the relationship between race and the use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The researchers also look at other factors that might mediate this relationship. Findings suggest a big gap, but the researchers offer recommendations to help close this gap so everyone can access and receive MOUD equally. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) JCOIN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Join us in our mission to leverage differences, promote belonging, and create positive outcomes for all individuals with opioid use disorder who are involved in the carceral system. Hollander, M. A., Chang, C. C. H., Douaihy, A. B., Hulsey, E., & Donohue, J. M. (2021). Racial inequity in medication treatment for opioid use disorder: Exploring potential facilitators and barriers to use. Drug and alcohol dependence, 227, 108927.

Season 5, Episode 8: You MUST listen to this fabulous interview with Dr. TaLisa Carter (American University), who talks about how she navigates collecting interview data virtually, making the best of difficult research situations by rising above challenges and learning from the experience. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 7: Dr. Kate Elkington, (Columbia University) discusses her research regarding the role of courts in increasing access to medication for opioid use disorder (OUD). Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 6: In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Becan (Texas Christian University) walks listeners through the ways her team is working to improve reentry for adults on parole after incarceration who are using opioids via medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 5: In this interview, Dr. Todd Molfenter (University of Wisconsin) tells listeners how he and his team are learning methods and mechanisms for implementing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment programs. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 4: Drs. Michael Gordon and Tom Blue (Friends Research Institute) provide an excellent overview of their clinical study of individuals leaving jail while being treated with extended-release naltrexone and buprenorphine. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 3: Episode 3 introduces listeners to Dr. Peter Friedmann (University of Massachusetts, Bay State Health, Chan Medical School) and Dr. Liz Evans (University of Massachusetts, Amherst). Their fascinating study looks at a research project on substance use disorder (SUD) that pivoted in response to COVID challenges; the results have great value to the community, criminal legal and health partners, and participants. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 2: In this exciting episode, we hear from Dr. Rosemarie Martin (Brown University) and Linda Hurley (Codac Behavioral Healthcare) about their collaborative study on improving the criminal-legal system’s response to people affected by opioid use disorder (OUD). Their partnership is so inspiring. Take a listen! Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 5, Episode 1: In this episode, Dr. Michele Staton (University of Kentucky) walks listeners through her work studying women and community reentry after prison release. She gracefully details the intensive and complex process she uses to understand women’s specific needs related to medications for substance use disorder (SUD). Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 10: Walking a mile in another’s shoes is often a great way to empathize and support someone going through a tough time. However, not all shoes are the same and the miles we walk vary significantly. While peer recovery support is both popular and highly regarded, scholars actually know very little about the process of training, credentialing, and monitoring these relationships. Let’s see what we know and begin to ask more questions to improve upon this common model of support.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 9: Wow! This episode provides a fascinating look at how detailed and in-depth training can help doctors (who often do not receive training around medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in medical school) can learn more about MOUD to improve their assessment and delivery of the medications to those who desperately need the medications. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)