The goal of this study is to learn whether a virtual peer recovery coach (PRC) intervention can improve engagement in addiction treatment among incarcerated adults with substance use disorders.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does the PRC intervention increase engagement with at least one recovery resource at 30 and 90 days? * Does it improve secondary outcomes such as substance use, recovery capital, overdose events, and recidivism?
Researchers will compare Treatment-as-Usual with the PRC telehealth intervention to see if PRC support improves engagement in addiction care.
Participants will:
* Complete baseline and follow-up assessments * Receive either Treatment-as-Usual or a virtual PRC session focused on motivational interviewing and linkage to recovery resources
Incarcerated at participating jail
Able to speak and understand English
Score of 3 or greater - "moderate level", "substantial level", or "severe level" of problems related to drug abuse - on DAST-10.
Willing to follow study procedures and complete research follow-up calls
Cognitive impairment (inability to comprehend the informed consent document as assessed by study staff during enrollment)
Prior participation in the study
Awaiting transfer to prison or jail outside the state of Georgia
Parallel
Virtual Peer Recovery Coaching
BehavioralA telehealth session with a peer recovery coach who provides motivational interviewing and tailored linkage to addiction treatment and recovery resources.
Treatment as Usual
BehavioralParticipants are provided information about community-based addiction treatment and recovery resources as part of routine jail processes.
Engagement With at Least One Recovery Resource
Engagement with at least one recovery resource, defined as: * Formal addiction treatment (visit with a physician, psychologist, or licensed substance use counselor; or ≥1 night in detoxification or residential treatment), or * Recovery Community Organization (RCO) participation (contact, intake, and participation in ≥1 evidence-based recovery activity), or * Harm reduction organization engagement. Engagement may occur during incarceration or in the community after release.
Days Receiving Medications for Substance Use Disorders
Number of days participants receive medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), stimulant use disorder, or alcohol use disorder.
Recidivism and Justice Involvement
New arrests, bookings, or jail stays documented through participant report or administrative data.
Healthcare Utilization
Emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and other acute care encounters.
Recovery Capital (BARC-10)
Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital (BARC-10) A 10-item validated scale that measures a person's internal and external resources that support recovery from substance use. Items assess domains such as social support, coping skills, housing stability, and personal motivation. * Scores range from 10 to 60. * Higher scores indicate greater recovery capital and stronger readiness to sustain recovery.
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Emory University
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
