A common occurrence in jails across the U.S. and in this jail outside Texas that can now dispense methadone is that inmates go through detox during incarceration. It is a relief for inmates to be able to continue on their medication and avoid going through a process of detox, which can be excruciatingly painful.

It has been recognized in various publications that Texas jails often serve as detox facilities. Jails are required to follow minimum jail standards, which are provided by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Classification and separation of inmates is part of the booking process. Inmates are classified and housed in the least restrictive type of housing available for their classification status. One area of classification is that an inmate has a problem with alcohol and/or drug abuse.

Some inmates are assigned to a detoxification cell upon entry into the jail. As soon as they are able to properly care for themselves, however, they are transferred to a less restrictive housing area.

In the health services plans that Texas jails are required to provide, there are no provisions that specifically apply to treating inmates in detoxification cells. In the classification section, however, the standard specifies that a Needs Assessment Instrument may be used to determine the needs and qualifications of inmates so that they might participate in substance abuse and other treatment or work programs.

See Part 1 and Part 2 of this three-part series for additional information.

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