Research Translation
A Large Proportion of U.S. Jails Don’t Provide MOUD to Pregnant People with OUD, New Study Finds
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have been a well-established treatment for pregnant people with opioid use disorder (OUD), yet little is known about the standard of care practices and access to medications within U.S. jails. To better understand this knowledge gap, the Advocacy and Research on Reproductive Wellness of Incarcerated People (ARRWIP) study, a…
Read MoreOffering Buprenorphine Prior to Release from Jail May Reduce Recidivism
Findings from JCOIN’s Massachusetts Research Hub Individuals leaving incarceration with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at a high risk for overdose, recidivism, and adverse health outcomes. Providing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prior to incarceration and post-release is effective in reducing negative outcomes. Existing studies tend to examine how the use of methadone and/or…
Read MoreIssue Brief: Considerations for Initiation of OUD Medications for Patients Recently Released from Controlled Environments
Download the Issue Brief (PDF) Background People with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD) who were not being treated with medication for OUD at the time of release from incarceration will have varying degrees of opioid tolerance and physical dependence. These will depend on their opioid use just prior to incarceration (for relatively short…
Read MoreIssue Brief: Medications for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders: Research Insights for Criminal Justice Professionals
Key Takeaways Medications for Substance Use Disorders Are Effective Treatments. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA-approved medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). These medications are effective in reducing substance use and improving recovery outcomes. Patient Choice Matters.…
Read MoreIssue Brief: Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Justice-Involved Populations
Download the Issue Brief (PDF) Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition that is treatable. Individuals involved in the criminal justice system should be screened for OUD. Anyone with moderate to severe OUD should have access to medication treatment for OUD in all criminal justice settings and upon release. OUD is a treatable illness,…
Read MoreVideo Explainer: Reentry Risks for Justice-Involved Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder
There are many opportunities to respond to opioid addiction in the criminal justice system, with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) being the gold standard for treatment. While we know that reentry is a particularly high-risk time for individuals with an opioid use disorder, research shows that providing MOUD pre- and post-release cuts the risk…
Read MoreJustice-Involved Individuals Returning to the Community are at High Risk for Overdose Fatality within First Two Weeks after Release from Incarceration; Research Shows MAT Reduces Risk by 75%
Features & News In 2018, over 67,000 Americans died from drug overdoses and opioid overdose fatalities rose by 10 percent from the previous year.1 Nearly 11 million individuals passing through the criminal justice system every year and they are one of the most vulnerable groups exposed to the drug crisis.2 In separate studies conducted in…
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