Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral therapies to treat alcohol and opioid addictions. When provided as part of the rehabilitation and reentry process for people incarcerated in correctional facilities, MAT addresses substance use as a criminogenic risk factor and may contribute to long-term recovery and reduced recidivism. As with any medication or treatment, there is risk of diversion but, with the appropriate program elements in place, sheriffs, wardens, and jail administrators can provide this effective and evidence-based treatment to individuals during incarceration. This action brief from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides helpful strategies and techniques to reduce the diversion of medication used in MAT.
Source: JusticeCenter