Fewer than half of jails in the United States provide medical-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Of the jails that do provide treatment, only one out of eight made the treatment available to anyone with opioid use disorder. This is according to a recent study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a part of the National Institutes of Health, under the authority of the United States Department of Health & Human Services.
Approximately two-thirds of people in correctional settings have a substance use disorder, often an opioid use disorder.
This should raise concerns: approximately two-thirds of people in correctional settings have a substance use disorder, often an opioid use disorder.
What is medical assisted treatment for opioid use disorder?
Medicated assisted treatment (MAT), also referred to as Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), is an effective evidence-based treatment for opioid-use disorder (OUD). The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for the treatment of OUD: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
- Buprenorphine works to reduce cravings and control withdrawal symptoms, can be prescribed by any qualified clinician, and can be taken at home daily or be administered by a clinician as a long-acting injection.
- Methadone also reduces cravings and controls withdrawal symptoms, must be taken daily, and can only be dispensed by a federally registered Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).
- Naltrexone is an opioid blocker so it prevents opioids from having any effect, like buprenorphine, can be prescribed by any qualified clinician, and can be taken at home daily or be administered by a clinician as a long-acting injection.
Evidence overwhelmingly shows that MAT is one of the most effective interventions available for those with OUD. Knowing this, it is imperative that we offer this treatment in as many venues as possible to fight the opioid epidemic. It is especially important to offer this treatment in locations where some of the most vulnerable members of society live, correctional institutions.
Challenges and efficacy of providing medical assisted treatment
While most jails do provide some type of recovery support or substance use disorder treatment, not offering MAT illustrates a missed opportunity to connect life-saving treatments in an environment where people can easily be reached and encouraged to continue with treatment. The most cited reason for the lack of MAT was staffing, specifically the absence of properly licensed medical professionals to oversee the treatment. Correctional institutions located near community-based providers of MAT, larger facilities, and facilities located in counties with lower levels of poverty and unemployment were more likely to offer these treatments.
Fewer than half of jails in the United States provide medical assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Offering MAT in correctional settings is imperative for two primary reasons. First, is that the leading cause of death among individuals returning to their communities after being incarcerated is a drug overdose. Second, by providing MAT in correctional settings, we can work to break the devastating – and often fatal – cycle of incarceration and addiction. Thankfully the State of Ohio recognizes the importance of offering MAT in correctional settings.
Ohio offers medically assisted treatment to everyone in correctional facilities
Since October 1, 2022, all individuals located in Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction facilities have access to MAT services. Individuals can start treatment as soon as they arrive, continue throughout their time being incarcerated, and take part in the reentry-based MAT services program that will help them be prepared to continue treatment once released.
County jails that decide to provide MAT in their facilities are eligible to receive reimbursement through the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services.
County jails that decide to provide MAT in their facilities are eligible to receive reimbursement through the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). During FY 2022 and FY 2023, $2.0 million was allocated each year for the county reimbursement program and during FY 2024 and FY 2025, $5.0 million was allocated for it.
Medicated assisted treatment is one of the best tools we have at our disposal to fight the opioid epidemic. While jails across the country must do their part to fight the opioid epidemic by offering these services, Ohio has continuously decided to do their part and offer these services at state and county correctional settings. The Center for Community Solutions supports Ohio’s efforts to ensure all Ohioans have access to evidence-based treatment options and Community Solutions will continue to monitor state funding for these services in the upcoming budget process.
