American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead Story: Availability of best practices for opioid use disorder in jails and related training and resource needs

Lead Story: Availability of best practices for opioid use disorder in jails and related training and resource needs

Tuesday 24th January 2023

Explore the challenges and best practices for treating opioid use disorder in U.S. jails in this episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked'.
8 minutes
Informative
Educational
Eye-opening
Thought-provoking
Supportive

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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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.