Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails
In response to the urgent need for withdrawal management policy and protocols, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) supported the development and release of Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails: A Tool for Local Government Officials, Jail Administrators, Correctional Officers, and Health Care Professionals (Guidelines). It is designed to help jails (including detention, holding, and lockup facilities) and communities in providing effective health care for adults (18 years of age and older) who are at risk for or experiencing substance withdrawal and are sentenced or awaiting sentencing to jail, awaiting court action on a current charge, or are being held in custody for other reasons (e.g., violation of terms of probation or parole).
The Guidelines present clinical recommendations and supporting narrative on standards of care for managing withdrawal from alcohol, sedatives, and stimulants, as well as for avoiding or minimizing opioid withdrawal through effective opioid use treatment.
ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCE
Withdrawal Management
Many individuals experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after entering jail, as access to substances they were using is suddenly interrupted. During the first hours and days of incarceration, these symptoms can emerge and may range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. With timely recognition and appropriate care, withdrawal can be safely managed, and serious health risks can be reduced.
Appreciating that each jail will start at a different place due to its unique circumstances, BJA and NIC developed a Readiness for Implementation Toolkit to help jail administrators, in collaboration with correctional staff, healthcare professionals, and community partners, build on their current efforts to manage substance withdrawal. The toolkit includes an implementation readiness assessment, checklists for jail administrators, healthcare professionals, and local government officials, and an assessment of correctional officers’ training needs.
Screening for
Withdrawal Management
COWS
National Institute on Drug Abuse (nida)
The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is an 11-item scale used to identify common signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal and monitor these symptoms over time.
CIWA-AR
University of maryland school of medicine
The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-AR) is a 10-item scale used to measure alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Online Learning
Understanding Substance Use Disorder: The Science
Defines SUD as a chronic but treatable medical condition and explains the basic neurobiological pathways involved with the development of SUD, including what happens to the brain when substances are used
2024 | 14:23
2024 | 14:23 min
The Legal Obligation of Addressing Substance Withdrawal
Highlights the legal obligations of addressing substance withdrawal in jail.
2024 | 9:04 min
Managing Substance Withdrawal: A Clinical Necessity
Clarifies why it is clinically necessary to address substance withdrawal in jails.
2024 | 10:47 min
The Critical Role of Nurses in Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails
Recognizes the role of nurses working in correctional settings play to implement effective, evidence-based substance withdrawal management.
2024 | 14:18 min
Appearing Unwell: What You Need to Do
Explains what it means to appear unwell and why jail staff needs to recognize when an individual appears unwell and know who to alert.
2024 | 8:40 min
Substance Withdrawal Management in Jail: Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
Highlights the importance of caring for individuals who are pregnant.
2024 | 11:38 min