Community Voices in Recovery – Addiction Among the Formerly Incarcerated

Addiction often contributes to incarceration, which is itself a traumatic experience that can contribute to future addiction and mental health struggles. People who are incarcerated are much more likely to have substance use and mental health needs than the general population. Problem gambling is also very common among this population and rates in this population are consistently higher than rates found in the general population. This module will help you support clients with criminal justice involvement even if you don’t work in a correctional setting.

Learners will earn 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit for completing this module, which includes passing a 10-question post-module quiz.

M-TAC strongly recommends that learners complete the Primary Course Series prior to completing any of the Supplemental Course Series modules to gain foundational knowledge about addiction along with specific tips and tactics for treating marginalized patients.

Learning Objectives 

As a result of completing “Addiction Among the Formerly Incarcerated”, you will be better prepared to: 

1. Identify specific areas within the criminal justice continuum where a provider can intervene to impart the most effective care for clients with criminal justice involvement. 

2. List 3 reasons why it is important to screen and assess incarcerated individuals for substance use and mental health disorders upon admission to prison. 

3. Explain how to implement the continuity of care framework when treating recently released individuals who have experienced both an addictive disorder and mental health concerns. 

4. Identify ways in which you as a provider can engage empathetically with clients in an effort to promote a positive healthcare experience. 

Continuing Education (CE) credits

• American Psychological Association (APA) – The Division on Addiction is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Division on Addiction maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program offers 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit.  
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hour for re-licensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D92043.  
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs). This program offers 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit. 
• National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1 CE. NAADAC Provider #84058, the Division on Addiction is responsible for all aspects of its programming.  
• The Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC) – MBSACC does not accredit online trainings but will recognize most online trainings approved by NASW. 

Funding Statement: The Division on Addiction and Health Resources in Action collaborated to produce this M-TAC course, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. The instructors have no financial interests that might create a conflict of interest in the development or delivery of this training. Click here to access our full list of our funders and conflict of interest/grievance policies and procedures.