A Scoping Review of Interventions and Available Programs for Justice-Involved Women with Substance Use Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review scopes existing research examining substance use-related services for women in carceral settings. The paper focuses on gender-specific care and programs not specifically tailored for women that analyze results by gender. The paper also suggests recommendations for future research based on identified gaps in the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Existing literature indicates that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women in correctional settings over the past four decades. Compared to women in the general population, those in correctional settings have high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) and upon release, experience elevated risk of returning to substance use, drug overdose, and re-incarceration. Incarcerated women also present with more severe substance use histories and co-occurring mental-health and trauma-related needs than incarcerated men, factors associated with higher return to substance use and overdose risk. While programs accessible to incarcerated women exist, there is limited literature comparing their distinct features. Evidence garnered from eight heterogeneous studies indicate that more intensive and gender-responsive programs, along with interventions that facilitate treatment linkage post-release, were associated with greater treatment engagement and reduced return to substance use. However, effects on recidivism and long-term individual outcomes were inconsistent and limited by methodological weaknesses. Future research should evaluate the barriers to integrated gender-responsive SUD treatment for women in carceral settings to inform the implementation of tailored services.