Project MATLINK: Development and Evaluation of a Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Program for Opioid Dependent Prisoners and Probationers Transitioning to the Community

Project MATLINK: Development and Evaluation of a Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Program for Opioid Dependent Prisoners and Probationers Transitioning to the Community

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program for linking opioid dependent individuals currently incarcerated or in probation in Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine to opioid substitution therapy in the community after release or during their probation period.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older

2. Within 180 days of release or possible release (eligible for parole) to the community, but greater than 7 days to release to the community OR currently in probation.

3. FOR THOSE IN PRISON: Relocating to a location within 30 km (approximately 60-minute commute) of the referred Narcology center. Each participant will be asked the address he/she is planning to reside under that will be immediately checked on the map to determine the travel time. A participant then will be asked if he/she would be willing to travel the distance to a particular OAT site. If a person does not meet this inclusion criterion, he/she will be referred to a local harm reduction center.

4. Meets ICD-10 screening criteria for pre-incarceration opioid dependence

   FOR THOSE IN PROBATION:

5. Living within 30 km of an OAT delivery site

6. Not having received OAT in the last 15 days.

7. Positive for OUD

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or may become pregnant
2. FOR THOSE IN PRISON: Will be released from prison in 7 days or less.