Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends in corrections. It’s about medication assisted treatment, or “MAT,” and how it relates to jails.
MAT is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders. It involves the use of a variety of medications, along with counseling and other therapeutic techniques. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, or MOUD, is another form of MAT that focuses solely on the medication.
As corrections professionals, you know many inmates struggle with opioid use disorder. It’s often an underlying factor in why they were arrested in the first place. And untreated, it leads to recidivism, creating a vicious cycle. This is why understanding MAT and MOUD is so important. The jail setting offers a safe and controlled environment for individuals to get treatment and break this cycle.
Inmate access to health care is a constitutional right under the 8th Amendment.
MAT and MOUD have been shown to be very effective. A 2023 report from the Office of National Drug Control Policy found MOUD programs in correctional facilities reduced post-release deaths attributed to opioid overdoses by up to 85%.
I know what you’re thinking. Is it really our job to provide this treatment? Well folks, caring for the health and safety of inmates is part of the job description. Inmate access to health care is a constitutional right under the 8th Amendment. MAT and MOUD may also be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Your facility can help safeguard those rights by adopting a policy to provide appropriate treatment for inmates, including MAT or MOUD. Such a policy can reduce the likelihood your jail will face liability for a claim that it violated constitutional protections.
Implementing a MAT or MOUD program may be a challenge, but it’s one you should strongly consider. In corrections, you have a unique opportunity to reach out and help individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
