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)

Season 4, Episode 8: When patients receiving medicine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD) share, sell, or hoard their medications (commonly called diversion) it creates a host of new challenges for corrections agencies and entire communities. This episode discusses one study that worked to decrease (and even stop) diversion. It’s amazing what a little planning, communication, and attention to the finer details can accomplish! Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 7: Most prisons and jails use a clinical process to assess individuals for substance use disorder (SUD) and a host of other concerns, but the process is often lengthy and cumbersome. Several scholars took this problem as a challenge and developed improved instruments for assessment that streamline the process and provide diagnoses more quickly so carceral staff can get right to designing a case plan and beginning treatment. A win-win! Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 6: It seems logical that individual with medical insurance tend to receive more and better healthcare. Medicaid is one program to improve access to insurance (to improve health outcomes), but some states make accessing Medicaid more difficult and the results are often tragic.  Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 5: In this episode, we discuss the intensely complex nature of public opinion regarding opioid use disorder (OUD). We highlight a critical study of racial attitudes, political affiliation, and other factors influence on beliefs regarding punishment or medical-responses to OUD. An absolute must-listen! Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 4: Did you know that the two weeks following carceral release carries the highest risk for overdose death? In this episode, we review several studies that examine opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose death post-incarceration. We hit on key topics such as Narcan (naloxone), fentanyl, and Naltrexone and consider appropriate interventions to prevent overdose in both institutional and community settings. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 3: In this episode we provide an overview of three studies that all examined the use of tele-technology and the delivery of counseling and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The studies offer amazing insight from both patients and counselors about the benefits and barriers of telehealth and MOUD and should get you thinking deeply about this timely and important issue. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 2: It turns out that, no surprise here, individuals who are incarcerated DO have a preference regarding which medication they prefer to assist them with their opioid use disorder, and their reasons are fascinating and insightful. In this episode, we review the idea of patient preference for medication and begin to link those preferences to better treatment outcomes. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Season 4, Episode 1: Understanding stigma, including self-stigma, is an important part of building our knowledge of substance use disorders. Listen to this episode to hear how stigma and substance use disorder are tragically connected and how we might work to improve both. Download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This bonus episode is an update to our very first Aced It episode titled "Language Matters." The words we use to describe certain individuals or groups matter greatly. Words possess indirect connotation or tone beyond their direct meanings. This episode considers language around individuals and groups involved with the criminal legal system and offers suggestions for how to make sure language is specific, stigma-free, and humanizing. This episode fits nicely with the JCOIN goal of capacity building and enhances the entire LEAP curriculum. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF) and visit the The Language Project by The Marshall Project. Cox, A. (2020). The language of incarceration. Incarceration, 1(1), 2632666320940859.

We often talk about or study communities’ responses to substance use disorders but not all communities are the same. This episode considers what scholars found when they compared various community resources and services and what those differences mean for individuals in need of services. Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

While some argue that incarceration is not the answer for solving our substance use disorder challenges, will police-assisted referrals for SUDs help? This episode takes a deep dive into a study of one such program and reports on what the authors found and what it might mean for us as we continue working toward better outcomes.  Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

What is the role of dealers in protecting users from opioid overdose and harm? This episode looks at a study that asks this question—with fascinating results. We’re all in this together but we need to understand each other and cooperate if we are to truly help people with substance use challenges.  Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) faced particular challenges in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we explore a study that amplified the voices and experiences of individuals with SUD during a global health crisis. The results are both informative and important. Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

This episode examines the role of communities in helping individuals with substance use disorder. Study findings suggest a distinct and pronounced need for better education and training around treatment and recovery and a need for everyone to get involved. Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

In this super-interesting episode, we report on a study of U.S. veterans with opioid use disorder who discuss what they think would help them in their treatment. The veterans describe barriers to treatment and what they think they need to be successful during recovery. Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).