Empowering Change: Using Research to Combat Opioid Use Disorder in Correctional Settings

The opioid crisis continues to be a significant public health challenge in the United States, with overdose being the leading cause of accidental death. Addressing this crisis requires innovative and effective strategies, particularly in high-risk environments such as correctional facilities. Recent research highlights the potential impact of implementing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during incarceration and at release. This blog explores these findings and encourages practitioners to consider integrating these strategies into their practice.

The Importance of MOUD in Correctional Settings

Most prisons and jails in the U.S. discontinue MOUD upon incarceration, leading to a heightened risk of overdose post-release. The research conducted in Massachusetts offers a compelling case for change. By offering all three FDA-approved MOUDs—naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone—during incarceration, the study found a significant reduction in overdose deaths and associated costs.

Key Findings

• A strategy offering all three MOUDs during incarceration was associated with 192 fewer overdose deaths over five years—a 1.8% reduction compared to a naltrexone-only strategy.
• The all-MOUD strategy was cost-effective at $7,252 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained.
• Offering MOUD during incarceration not only saves lives but also reduces healthcare costs by shifting spending towards therapy rather than managing complications from drug use.

Implementing Research Outcomes

For practitioners working within or alongside correctional facilities, these findings provide a robust framework for advocating for comprehensive MOUD programs. Implementing such programs requires collaboration with correctional authorities and healthcare providers to ensure seamless integration and continuity of care post-release.

Practitioners should consider the following steps:

• Advocacy: Work with policymakers and correctional administrators to implement policies that support MOUD availability during incarceration.
• Education: Educate staff and inmates about the benefits of MOUD and address common misconceptions about addiction treatment.
• Collaboration: Partner with community-based organizations to ensure continuity of care for individuals transitioning out of correctional settings.

Encouraging Further Research

The Massachusetts study provides a strong foundation, but further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of MOUD programs across diverse populations and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting studies that assess the effectiveness of different implementation strategies and their impact on various demographic groups.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Estimated Costs and Outcomes Associated With Use and Nonuse of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder During Incarceration and at Release in Massachusetts.