ABQ Times

Research from the University of New Mexico suggests that providing methadone and other substance use disorder treatments in jails can reduce recidivism rates. Brady Horn, a Professor in the Department of Economics, and Paul Guerin, the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Analysis (CARA) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR), examined a program at Bernalillo County's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) that offers methadone treatment to inmates.

“It’s a good place to begin using methadone because you’re physically there, and methadone is taken daily. It’s a liquid dose, typically, and staff go around each morning and give you your dose of methadone," Guerin explained.

Horn and Guerin's research focused on whether such treatments could reduce repeat offenses. “People who receive methadone maintenance in jails went back to jail less, which saved New Mexico taxpayers more money in the long run,” Horn stated.

Data from CARA shows that over 33% of individuals return to jail within six months, with about 60% returning within three years. According to Guerin and Horn, substance use disorders are a significant factor driving these returns. “We understand people commit crimes for a variety of reasons and one of the reasons is because they have substance use disorders or a mental health disorder," said Guerin. "That's why we should be doing things that could reduce people's future contact with the criminal justice system and treatment is one of those things we should be focused on."

Providing treatment in jails is seen as cost-effective compared to repeated incarcerations. “Currently, it costs about $122 a day to keep someone in jail on average, and if they are a client in the psychiatric services unit this is closer to $175 a day,” noted Guerin. He emphasized that providing treatment services both inside jail and continuing them into the community can reduce long-term costs.

“Crime is expensive. It’s not just incarceration costs but also other costs such as costs to victims and pain and suffering associated with crime," Horn said. "High rates of recidivism are unfortunate and very costly; if we could stop this cycle and stop people from being incarcerated it would be valuable to society."

Horn pointed out that ten years ago there were few substance use disorder treatments available in New Mexico prisons. However, recent efforts have introduced more programs aimed at reducing recidivism while saving taxpayer money. He stressed that beyond financial savings, these programs aim at human improvement: “I’m in favor of programs that can treat substance use disorders and reduce recidivism.”

Guerin added: "We want people to understand treatment works... If we can serve their needs, we can reduce their risk of committing new crimes."

Additionally, resources outside jail exist for those seeking help with substance use disorders. The New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center provides a free hotline staffed by pharmacists trained in toxicology and addiction medicine 24/7.