Barred from Treatment

Punishment of Drug Users in New York State Prisons

Executive Summary

Recommendations

To the New York State Department of Correctional Services

To the New York State Commission on Correction

To the Governor of New York

To the New York State Legislature

To the United States Congress and Executive Branch

To the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies, Special Rapporteurs and Human Rights Council

Methodology

Background

Incarceration, Drug Use, and HIV in New York State

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence in Prisons and Pre-Trial Detention

Legal Obligations

Access to Drug Dependence Treatment in Prison

Findings

Lack of Access to Evidence-Based Treatment for Opioid Dependence

Risk of Overdose During Incarceration and After Release

Barriers to Access to Available Substance Abuse Treatment

Lack of Access to Harm Reduction Services

Disciplinary Measures for Drug Use and Possession in Prison

Conclusion

Acknowledgments