What kind of help do people need most when leaving jail with opioid addiction?

Leaving jail is one of the most dangerous times for someone with opioid addiction. The risk of overdose skyrockets. So what kind of help actually matters in those first critical weeks back in the community? A study followed 108 adults in Connecticut with opioid use disorder as they worked with peer navigators—people with lived experience who guide others through recovery. The researchers looked closely at what the navigators actually did. They found the support fell into three main areas. Nearly half of all encounters involved direct services, with getting transportation—like rides to appointments—making up the biggest chunk. Another large portion was informational, mostly educating people about available resources. A smaller but vital part was facilitation, like advocating for someone or helping with paperwork. The people in this study faced immense challenges: most were unemployed, many lacked stable housing, and a portion were actively using substances. This paints a clear picture of the practical, day-to-day barriers that peer support tries to address. The study didn't measure whether this support led to better health outcomes or reduced overdoses. It simply shows us what the work looks like on the ground. It tells us that for people re-entering society, the immediate need isn't just medication—it's a ride, a piece of information, and someone in their corner.