New guidelines released for managing substance withdrawal in jails

(KBSI) – The Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) released new guidelines for managing substance withdrawals in jails.

According to the National Institute of Corrections, the number of those in jail who died from drug or alcohol overdose increased by 400% from 2000 to 2019. There are also major health concerns that don’t always result in death but are just as serious from withdrawal, such as severe dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia caused by severe vomiting.

“Jails face a unique and serious challenge managing substance use withdrawal among individuals in their custody, resulting in increased risk of in-custody deaths,” said OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon. “These guidelines, developed by a committee of experts representing correctional and medical professionals, offer concrete and evidence-based guidance to help jail administrators protect the health and rights of people in their care.”

Implementing withdrawal management is not only for the use in jails. These guidelines with help Local Government Officials, Jail Administrators, Correctional Officers and Health Care Professionals.

BJA and NIC are implementing assistance and required training in Comprehensive Opioid https://www.cossapresources.org/Tools/JailResources.