Breaking Down Barriers: Opioid Treatment in U.S. Jails
This study highlights the impact of lost opportunities for reducing disease, death and recidivism that result from the lack of greater medication availability and accessibility.
Picture this: you're in jail, battling opioid use disorder (OUD), and the resources you need are just out of reach. This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' tackles the stark reality of OUD treatment availability in U.S. jails. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) dives into a national study that examines how well jails in heavily impacted counties are equipped to handle OUD. The findings? A mixed bag.
While 92% of jails reported some availability of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), only 20% provided it to inmates assessed with OUD. The study highlights key best practices, like screening, clinical assessments, medically managed withdrawal, and re-entry services, but also points out significant gaps. Counties with larger populations and fewer people living below the poverty line fared better in providing these services. However, funding issues, lack of training, and stigma remain huge barriers. The episode doesn't stop there.
It also explores other hot topics in addiction medicine, such as the influence of cannabis companies on research funding and how community programs are using contingency management to address stimulant use. For anyone touched by addiction—whether you're a policymaker, healthcare professional, or someone with a personal connection—this episode is a must-listen. It offers not just data but also actionable insights to help improve the lives of those struggling with addiction in carceral settings.