It’s alarming to know that less than half of U.S. jails provide medication for opioid addiction treatment, despite the prevalence of substance use disorders among incarcerated individuals. A study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that only about 40% of surveyed jails offer medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), with 13% making it available to all individuals with the disorder. Lack of licensed staff was cited as a common reason for not providing MOUD.
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Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora D. Volkow emphasized the importance of integrating substance use disorder treatment in justice settings to break the cycle of addiction and incarceration. Providing addiction treatment during incarceration can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, overdose, and aid long-term recovery.
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have been proven effective in reducing opioid use, improving treatment outcomes, reducing criminal activity, and preventing the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Despite a decline in nationwide opioid overdose deaths, fentanyl-related deaths have soared, underscoring the urgent need for accessible addiction treatment in jail settings.
While over 70% of jails offer some form of addiction treatment services, more than half do not provide MOUD. Pregnant individuals and those with prior MOUD experience were more likely to receive medications in jail. Researchers stress the critical need to overcome barriers hindering access to evidence-based medications to combat the opioid epidemic.
Research indicates that drug overdoses are a leading cause of death for individuals reentering communities post-incarceration. Jails, intended as short-term holding facilities, play a vital role in addressing addiction but face challenges in providing comprehensive care. Future studies will delve into the impact of MOUD on health outcomes within jail settings and explore disparities in accessing treatment based on gender and race.