Substance Use Disorder Archives - Justice Speakers Institute

Overall Category for substance use disorder issues.

Words Matter: How Language Shapes Justice in Treatment Courts

Tuesday, 28 July 2026 by David Wallace

Words influence more than conversation—they shape perception, reduce or reinforce stigma, and affect how justice is experienced. Discover why language is an essential component of treatment courts, procedural justice, and evidence-based practices that support long-term recovery.

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Language, Procedural justice, Stigma, Substance Use Disorder, Treatment Courts

An Effective Framework for Responding to Substance Use Disorders in the Justice System

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 by Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.)

Substance use disorders affect every part of the justice system. This new series explores five evidence-based principles that can strengthen public safety, improve outcomes, and support long-term recovery.

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice Reform, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment Courts

Opioid Intervention Courts: A Proven Path to Recovery

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 by Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.)

Opioid Intervention Courts offer a life-saving alternative to traditional justice responses by focusing on rapid treatment, overdose prevention, and recovery support. Backed by recent research, this evidence-based model prioritizes health over punishment and helps courts address opioid use disorder more effectively and compassionately.

Published in Law, Medication Assisted Treatment, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder, Treatment

Tagged under: Criminal Justice Reform, MOUD, Opioid Intervention Court, Substance Use Disorder, Treatment Courts

Saving Lives on the Front Line: How Police Can Use Naloxone and Nalmefene to Reverse Opioid Overdoses

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 by Chief Cynthia Herriott

Equipping police with Naloxone and Nalmefene empowers officers to reverse opioid overdoses, save lives, and link individuals to care. This life-saving strategy strengthens public safety and fosters trust between law enforcement and communities.

Published in Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Harm Reduction, law enforcement tools, overdose response

Leadership and Innovation in Georgia’s Accountability Courts

Thursday, 12 June 2025 by Justice Speakers Institute

In this episode, Judge Lawton Stephens shares his three-decade journey on the bench, offering insights into Georgia’s evolving accountability courts. From launching drug courts to chairing statewide judicial conferences, Judge Stephens discusses the future of treatment courts and the vital role of compassion and structure in criminal justice reform.

Published in Podcast, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Accountability Courts, drug court model, Judicial leadership, Justice Reform, Treatment Courts

Bridging the Gap: MOUD Access for People on Probation

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 by Chief Mack Jenkins

People on probation with opioid use disorder face major barriers to accessing medications for treatment. Stigma, policy gaps, and a lack of coordination between justice and healthcare systems make recovery difficult. This blog explores actionable steps to ensure probation becomes a bridge to care—not a barrier.

Published in Medication Assisted Treatment, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: criminal justice policy, MOUD access, Opioid Use Disorder, Probation Reform, Treatment Courts

How Treatment Courts Can Transform OUD Recovery

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 by Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.)

The opioid crisis has had a profound impact on the criminal justice system, with many individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) coming into frequent contact with police, courts, and jails. Despite the well-documented effectiveness of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), treatment gaps persist within the justice system. A recent study of high-overdose county

Published in Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Justice Reform, Treatment Courts

Dr. William Morrone on Opioid Use Disorder and Medication-Assisted Treatment

Thursday, 25 April 2024 by Justice Speakers Institute

Dr. William Morrone shares insights on treating Opioid Use Disorder, the role of Medication-Assisted Treatment, and bridging law and medicine in justice reform.

Published in Podcast, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Addiction Recovery, Criminal Justice Reform, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorder

ADA Lawsuits and MOUD in Treatment Courts

ADA Lawsuits and MOUD: Ensuring Compliance in Treatment Courts

Tuesday, 09 April 2024 by Justice Speakers Institute

Is your Treatment Court at Risk? By Hon. Geno Salomone (Ret.) and Hon. Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) As of this article’s writing, there are still a large number of judges who persist in withholding medications from individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), arguing that it merely replaces one addictive substance with another.[1] Similarly, certain probation or corrections

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: ADA, MAT, MOUD, OUD, Treatment Courts

Supportive Housing for Recovery: A Key to Treatment Court Success

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 by Justice Speakers Institute

By Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) and Judge Harvey Hoffman (Ret.) Introduction Prescription opiate and heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Increasing numbers of individuals with prescription opiate and heroin use disorders are finding their way into the Criminal Justice System. Specialty Courts have proven themselves to be an effective response in addressing substance use disorders of

Published in Law, Problem Solving Courts, Substance Use Disorder

Tagged under: Sober free housing