Resources

The video was funded by California Health Care Foundation and was created by Health Management Associates and Freeman Media.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medicines such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol), often supplemented by behavioral treatment and social supports. Harm-reduction services are employed to keep patients safe until they are ready to seek treatment—services such as dispensing naloxone, an opioid antidote that prevents death from overdose, and providing clean syringes to prevent HIV and hepatitis C. A medication-first approach allows patients to be stabilized first on medication and then be brought to the appropriate level of care to fit their needs—thereby decreasing the risk of overdose and relapse. Despite data showing the success of MAT in treating drug addiction, objections are still common. Following are some frequent objections and evidence-based responses.

By including the criminal justice system as a path to treatment, states may see an increase in access to and retention in treatment, as well as lower rates of overdoses, re-offending, and re-incarcerations. In this brief, states are provided an overview of the issue, the challenges to incorporating MAT, key considerations for establishing MAT in criminal justice settings, and existing standards/guidelines.

Correctional administrators and health care providers are on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic as justice-involved individuals are disproportionately at risk of having opioid use disorder (OUD) and dying from opioid overdose. Despite the high rates of OUD among incarcerated individuals, evidence-based treatment does exist and can be successfully implemented within jails and prisons. The most effective treatment for OUD is the use of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications (methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone), a treatment modality commonly known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Across the nation, a growing number of jails and prisons offer MAT for OUD resulting in positive outcomes for patients, staff and jurisdictions. Download this valuable planning and implementation toolkit.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders.  When provided as part of the rehabilitation and reentry process for people incarcerated in correctional facilities, MAT addresses substance use as a criminogenic risk factor and may contribute to long-term recovery and reduced recidivism. As with any medication or treatment, there is risk of diversion; but, with the appropriate program elements in place, sheriffs, wardens, and jail administrators can provide this effective and evidence-based treatment to individuals during incarceration.  This action brief addresses strategies and techniques to decrease the diversion of drugs used in MAT.

In early 2019, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) convened the task force to meet and to hold countless discussions with local criminal justice system stakeholders and county officials to facilitate the development of this report and subsequent recommendations. This report is aimed at criminal justice system stakeholders at all levels of government. It is divided into four sections: recommendations for government entities, an overview of pretrial detainees and jail health care, best practices in jail health care and strengthening the care continuum, and legal implications and recommendations. This report outlines methodologies to improve health outcomes for justice-involved individuals and ultimately break the cycle of recidivism that has burdened local jails and the county systems that support this population.

Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) have been established to provide assistance, education, and information to organizations and individuals who are actively providing or interested in providing health care at a distance. Our simple charter from the Office for Advancement of Telehealth is to assist in expanding the availability of health care to rural and underserved populations. And because we are federally funded, the assistance we provide is generally free of charge.

Dr. Roger Peters of the University of South Florida reviews available screening and assessment instruments, covers instrument selection, and discusses specific considerations for identifying and assessing people who have opioid addictions. Dr. Peters—along with Jac Charlier and Phillip Barbour of the Center for Health and Justice at Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities—also explains how supplemental screening and assessment questions about opioid use and drugs of choice may assist in the response to the opioid epidemic.

ORCP emerged from a desire to equip inmates with vocational, educational, and other skills that could lead to gainful employment, thereby reducing the likelihood of recidivism. Judge Laurie A. White and Judge Arthur Hunter of the Orleans Parish,Louisiana, Criminal District Court worked with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C) to develop the program in 2010; by 2011, Louisiana passed legislation establishing reentry courts.

This compilation of training resources includes videos, online learning, and print documents that were screened specifically for corrections officers and other corrections personnel seeking to promote the well-being and reentry of inmates with opioid use disorder or substance use disorders. Unless otherwise indicated, all resources listed are available free of charge electronically.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed this case scenario to provide clinicians with an example of a clinical practice engagement consistent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) statement and applicable HHS-administered authorities.