Aced It

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).  

What do we know about what happens when we link individuals to substance use services upon jail discharge? This podcast offers a scoping review that examines answers to that question. Want to know more (and find out what a scoping review is)? Give this episode a listen! Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

How many lives could we save if we provided MOUD to individuals while they are in prison? And how many more lives could we save if we provided MOUD to individuals effectively upon release from prison/jail? Check out this episode to find out and to learn why you should not only care but help. Download the One-Pager for this episode (PDF).

Providing MOUD comes with some challenges despite many benefits. In this episode, we explore a study involving MOUD within carceral spaces and highlight how some real-world challenges can interfere with treatment in prison. Download the One-Pager for this episode.

How does a global pandemic like COVID-19 affect individuals engaged in treatment involving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)? Some restrictions were loosened, and the results may be favorable in many ways. Listen to hear more.  Download the One-Pager for this episode.

Do you have implicit biases? Likely, YES! But you can do something about it. You can recognize them and re-learn new thinking and associated behaviors to tame them within yourself. Take a listen and see what you feel inspired to change within yourself.  For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Helping individuals with OUD is a big undertaking. Whole communities are required. This episode discusses a peer outreach and MAT treatment linkage program and considers the various factors that increase the likelihood that participants pursue treatment. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

In this episode, we head over to Norway, to consider a study that examines drug use before and during incarceration and the factors involved in the use of drugs while incarcerated. So much to learn from other country's approaches. Listen and learn. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

At a more macro level, this podcast considers how states implemented buprenorophine programs for individuals with OUD. What worked? What did not? How and Why? For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This episode takes a different look at OUD by examining the implementation of an MAT program to consider some of the challenges facing programs, organizations, and communities who want to help individuals with OUD but find there are often roadblocks or hurdles to doing so effectively. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Ever heard of “social” recovery? No? Oh, you're missing out. In this episode, we talk you through one study that examines various pathways methamphetamine users may take to achieve recovery. It's not all about abstinence, but it can still yield positive results. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This informative episode breaks down the science of withdrawal and walks listeners through how withdrawal affects many aspects of individuals' lives. It also (yes, there's more) discusses the problems that emerge when individuals in charge of supervising individuals with OUD do not fully understand withdrawal and the policies/practices in place for dealing with these folks that can actually cause more harm than intended or desired.  For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This episode takes a deep dive into medically assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders by discussing a study that compares carceral resident outcomes when using methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to see which group had lower recidivism and fewer risky behaviors. Want to know which MAT works best? Listen and find out. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Ever wonder how opioids affect the body and the brain? This episode breaks down the neuroscience of opioids by showcasing innovative research from several leading scholars. Will you be an expert after listening? Nope. But you'll definitely know more and it may inspire you to keep learning. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This episode explores opioid use disorder (OUD) and stigma among pregnant people with OUD in prison. Stigma around OUD and whether the people were receiving medicine for their OUD prior to custody mattered greatly. The language and the overall stigma around OUD must change if we are to fully address this epic problem. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This podcast episode takes listeners on a cross-country road-trip from study site to study site looking deep into the Honest Opportunity Probation Enforcement program. It starts in Hawaii but weaves its way through four other field sites with differing results. Tune in and see if there is hope for HOPE, (or not). For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This episode considers how attitudes, leadership, and training matter for probation officers when using evidence based practices with clients. The study it covers is straight-forward and simple to understand but this podcast breaks it down even further for listeners and provides some common sense take-aways from the science. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

This episode considers the ever-important topic of the risks and needs of individuals on community supervision like probation or parole. While researchers and some practitioners are learning more about risk and needs, there are still a LOT of unanswered questions like which risks and needs matter most and how they are best addressed. This podcast looks deep into this question using an easy-to-comprehend example of grocery shopping. Confused? Don't be… have a listen. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Did you know that Implementation Science is a specific way of examining HOW organizations implement (or start doing) evidence-based practices (EBPs)… practices that are backed by science? If you don't already know much about implementation science, this podcast was literally created for you. Try listening to this and then engaging in the LEAP Learners' course by Dr. Gregory Aarons on Implementation Science. You'll be amazed what you'll learn. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

Yes, a podcast episode about research methods! Yes, it's format is fun, interesting, and user-friendly…even though the title is a bit boring. Methods are how researchers conduct their studies and mixed methods means they use multiple methods simultaneously to gather richer data to answer their questions. This podcast provides some explanation for methods terms and ideas that may baffle you…. and it pairs wonderfully with Dr. Liz Evans' LEAP Learners Course on Mixed Methods. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

There are so many things for researchers to consider when conducting research inside prisons and/or jails. One important part of this research is the ethical concerns around consent and confidentiality. This podcast episode pairs nicely with the LEAP course in Justice Cultures by Dr. David Farabee by engaging listeners with important ethical concerns and offering some practical advice to avoid ethical pitfalls. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

You've probably heard of researcher-practitioner partnerships…the ways that science and practice can collaborate. But, have you heard of co-producing knowledge? This episode covers this important topic by taking these relationships further than just how they're formed…and into what amazing things can be accomplished when scientists and practitioners team up. You'll find that this episode is a great companion to the LEAP Justice Cultures and Correctional Staff courses. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

We. Need. More. Prison Research. However, access is not always easy. This episode discusses some of the challenges researchers face when doing, or trying to do, research in prisons and offers some suggestions to bolster relationships with carceral institutions that yield data, findings, and…more research. This episode is a wonderful accompaniment to all of the LEAP Learners courses. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

The way things work inside an organization or “how things get done” is what we commonly refer to as the culture or climate of an organization. But culture is more than just that… it is often a facilitator or a barrier to change and reform AND studying it is hard. In this episode, we discuss the many layers of culture and climate and why/how each matters. The episode pairs perfectly with the LEAP Learners Course on Justice Cultures by Dr. David Farabee and the Correctional Staff course by Dr. Lauren Brinkley-Rubenstein. For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

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)