Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in correctional settings is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), within jails and prisons. MAT combines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -approved medication such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. By addressing addiction in correctional facilities, MAT helps reduce recidivism, infectious disease transmission, and drug-related criminal behavior.

Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Prisons.

an_incarcerated_person_taking_medication

Bureau of Prisons

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Research

Advancing the Implementation and Sustainment of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorders (OUD) in Prisons and Jails

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is among the most prevalent medical condition experienced by incarcerated persons, yet medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is uncommon. Four jail and prison systems partnered with researchers to document their adoption of MAT for incarcerated individuals with OUD using their established treatment protocols. Employing the EPIS (Exploration, Planning, Implementation, and Sustainment) framework, programs report on systematic efforts to expand screening, treatment and provide linkage to community-based care upon release.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Criminal Justice Settings as a Double-Edged Sword: Balancing Novel Addiction Treatments and Voluntary Participation

The impacts of opioid use disorder are also reflected in the composition of correctional populations, both in terms of the number of inmates with a history of use and in the number of sentences for drug-related offenses.

A Review of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in United States Jails and Prisons

The use of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and specifically buprenorphine, to address opioid use disorder (OUD) is considered the gold standard of care in the community. However, while support for its use in correctional settings is expanding and there are promising national practice guidelines, it remains underutilized within jails and prisons in the United States.

The Role of Behavioral Interventions in Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment: A Review

Although counseling is a required part of ofﬁce-based buprenorphine treatment of opioid use disorders, the nature of what constitutes appropriate counseling is unclear and controversial. The authors review the literature on the role, nature, and intensity of behavioral interventions in ofﬁce-based buprenorphine treatment.

Created: February 18, 2025

Updated: September 17, 2025

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

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Topic Categories and Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Factors Associated With the Availability of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in U.S. Jails

Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Promising Practices, Guidelines, and Resources for the Field

Uncommon and Preventable: Perceptions of Diversion of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Jail

Advancing the Implementation and Sustainment of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorders (OUD) in Prisons and Jails

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Criminal Justice Settings as a Double-Edged Sword: Balancing Novel Addiction Treatments and Voluntary Participation

A Review of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in United States Jails and Prisons

The Role of Behavioral Interventions in Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment: A Review

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program

Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder in Jails and Prisons: A Planning and Implementation Toolkit

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