The justice system is often the first system to meet addiction—but rarely the one designed to help. Patrol, booking, court, jail, reentry: at every stage, a choice exists. This episode shows how diversion programs, deflection at the point of arrest, and clinical handoffs at reentry can save lives. Continuity of medication behind bars prevents relapse and reduces death on release. When justice systems become treatment systems, cycles of arrest and overdose can be broken. The blueprint is there; what’s missing is will.

By Niklas S. Osterman BHPRN, MA Addiction Specialist