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Addiction Treatment — And Its Limitations — In Vermont Prisons

Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective ways to combat opioid addiction, but access to MAT in Vermont prisons can be limited.
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Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective ways to combat opioid addiction, but access to MAT in Vermont prisons can be limited.

Dealing with addiction in prison is complicated. For some, it helps them get away from the drugs and into treatment. But treatment while incarcerated can be limited, and those leaving prison often face the greatest risk of a relapse.

We're looking at those limitations and some bills lawmakers are pushing to expand treatment options for incarcerated opioid addicts.

Annie Ramniceanu, the Mental Health Systems Director for Vermont's Department of Corrections, joins Vermont Edition to explain what is and is not available to prisoners grappling with addiction, and the limitation to some forms of treatment behind bars.

She's also explain how prisoners access MAT (or medication-assisted treatment) and how that treatment can continue as inmates transition back into their communities.

Also with us will be Heather Newcomb, the Work Readinessprogram manager with Vermont Works for Women.

In recovery for 14 years herself, Newcomb shares the struggles of some of the women in her weekly Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility program, many of whom face challenges related to addiction.

We also hear from Tom Dalton with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform about some pending legislation aimed at addressing gaps in Vermont's inmate treatment system.

Broadcast on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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