Citation

Glynn LH, Kendra MS, Timko C, Finlay AK, Blodgett JC, Maisel NC, Midboe AM, McGuire JF, Blonigen DM. Crim. Justice Policy Rev. 2016; 27(2): 138-163.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0887403414560884

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

More than one half of U.S. military Veterans with criminal-justice involvement report problematic substance use, but less than one third ever receive or engage in treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), despite access to the Veterans Health Administration (VA). This underutilization of services places an already vulnerable population at risk of negative outcomes, such as poor physical and mental health, intimate partner violence, homelessness, suicide, and criminal recidivism. These risks and harms can be reduced through connection with SUD treatment services, and many Veterans already qualify for care through the VA and other agencies. In this review, we outline the known and likely barriers to SUD treatment access and engagement for justice-involved Veterans, suggest policy responses to these barriers, and describe current efforts within the VA and community organizations to address access and engagement in this population. A summary of current knowledge is provided, and directions for future research are suggested. © 2014, © 2014 SAGE Publications.

Language: en

Keywords

Veteran; criminal justice; substance use disorder; engagement; treatment access