$200K Grant To Help Burlington County Combat Substance Abuse

Burlington County has received a $200,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections to help jail inmates suffering from addiction, the county announced Wednesday night.

The grant money will be used to fund a medication assisted treatment program for inmates in the Burlington County Jail who are suffering from substance abuse disorder. These programs help reduce the cravings and other symptoms associated with withdrawal, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Treatment blocks the portion of the brain that create the rewarding sensation associated with using the drugs and induce negative symptoms when a substance is taken. Treatment helps cut down on the danger of relapse among recovering addicts.

“Approximately one-third of opioid users are funneled through correctional facilities each year. Inmates may be able to practice abstinence while incarcerated, but they struggle to sustain it upon release,” Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes said. “It is our hope that through this program we will get inmates battling opioid addiction much needed treatment and reduce relapse and recidivism.”

“Without medication assisted treatment, inmates suffering withdrawal symptoms have no relief,” Burlington County Warden Mildred Scholtz said. “During a period of abstinence inmates lose their tolerance to a substance which increases their likelihood of an overdose if they return to using drugs after their release.”

The medication assisted treatment program joins other Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholder initiatives such as the County’s Addiction Task Force, led by Hughes and Prosecutor Scott Coffina; the reopening of Post House; Narcan training events; support group meetings; and prescription drug drop boxes that allow residents to dispose of unused medications.

Said Hughes: “This new program will be a tremendous asset, and I know I speak for the entire Freeholder Board in saying that we are grateful to have this opportunity to bring this program to Burlington County to ensure that inmates who struggle with substance abuse can now receive the treatment that they need.”

Patch file photo