The Key Extended Entry Program (KEEP): A methadone treatment program for opiate-dependent inmates

The Key Extended Entry Program (KEEP) is the only known methadone treatment program for incarcerated opiate-dependent inmates in the United States. In itiated in 1987, KEEP performs approximately 18,000 detoxifications and 4,0 00 admissions for methadone treatment per year. Of those methadone treatmen t patients discharged to the community, mostly to outpatient KEEP programs, 74-80% report to their designated program. Recidivism-rates reveal that 79 % of KEEP patients were incarcerated again only once or twice during a rece nt 11-year period. Finally, KEEP data point to the importance of dedicating slots in the community for released inmates and maintaining them on suffic ient blocking doses to eliminate the craving for heroin. About 6% of KEEP p atients, some with mental illness, have a high incidence of recidivism.