Opioid Intervention Courts (OICs) are a new problem-solving court model designed to address the opioid epidemic and prevent overdose deaths. They can rapidly connect participants to evidence-based treatment including medication for addiction treatment (MAT) and other recovery support services. The New York State Unified Court System opened the country’s first OIC in Buffalo in 2017 with the explicit goal of saving lives. The OIC model was developed as a pre-plea, voluntary, medical triage for those at high risk of overdose entering the court system. OICs provide participants with immediate life-saving medical and behavioral health care with the goal of stabilizing individuals prior to the resolution of their case.

Opioid Intervention Court Implementation
Courts interested in implementing an Opioid Intervention Court have the opportunity to learn from a variety of resources.

Opioid Intervention Court Evaluation
The Opioid Intervention Court is a new and developing problem-solving court model. Evaluations have been conducted that show the effectiveness of this approach.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach to effectively treat Opioid Use Disorder.

Role of Recovery Peer Advocates
Certified Recovery Peer Advocates & Addiction Recovery Coaches are recovery professionals that bridge the gap between clinical intervention and community resources.