General Approach for Care of Person with SUD/OUD
INTRODUCTION
Recent lawsuits and findings emphasize the significance of MAT in reducing recidivism rates and addressing substance use disorders effectively. This information is vital for you and other professionals involved in these settings to enhance their understanding of evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction within the criminal justice system.
Presenter Donna Strueger Fritsch, with her extensive experience in expanding MAT access in correctional facilities and drug courts, provides valuable insights into the benefits of MAT for justice and child welfare systems.
Please read the main objectives below before watching the video. Please note:
The reasons for justice and child welfare systems to adopt MAT for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).
The impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on OUD treatment.
The barriers to MAT in the workplace and propose strategies for overcoming them.
Insights into the historical context of addiction treatment in justice settings.
The evolving norms surrounding MAT integration in criminal justice systems.
The challenges and opportunities in implementing MAT programs in correctional facilities and beyond.
Below, you can review the six main points or objectives from the video.
Objective 1: Understand the reasons for justice and child welfare systems to adopt MAT for individuals with OUD.
Recent lawsuits and findings emphasize the importance of MAT during incarceration.
MAT has been shown to reduce recidivism rates and contribute to crime reduction.
MAT aligns with the goal of addressing addiction as a contributing factor to criminal behavior.
Objective 2: Grasp the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on OUD treatment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including those with substance use disorders.
OUD is recognized as a disability under the ADA, requiring accommodation in treatment programs and justice settings.
Objective 3: Identify barriers to MAT in the workplace and propose strategies for overcoming them.
Traditional approaches to substance use treatment in prisons and jails have often excluded individuals with mental illness or failed to provide medication.
Many drug courts and probation programs have been resistant to incorporating MAT due to stigma or lack of understanding.
Child welfare systems may view individuals on MAT as not "clean," contributing to reluctance to accept medication use.
Objective 4:
Gain insights into the historical context of addiction treatment in justice settings.
The first federal correctional facility for addicts, the Narcotic Farm, opened in 1935.
Historically, substance use treatment in prisons and jails often occurred outside the healthcare system, under custody or inmate services programs.
Prisons and jails have historically not allowed medication use, and MAT has been limited in drug courts and probation programs.
Understanding the history of addiction treatment in the justice system, allows you to grasp the progress achieved and consider how you can contribute to its further improvement and advancement.
Objective 5:
Learn about the evolving norms surrounding MAT integration in criminal justice systems.
There is a growing acceptance of MAT in drug courts and collaborative courts.
Probation programs are beginning to address medication use for substance use treatment.
Jails are considering starting treatment programs and continuing medications for incarcerated individuals.
Objective 6:
Recognize the challenges and opportunities in implementing MAT programs in correctional facilities and beyond.
County-level efforts are promoting the integration of MAT into justice systems, with a focus on standardizing care across all settings.
The goal is to provide consistent access to FDA-approved medications for OUD treatment, regardless of the individual's location within the county.
Challenges include addressing the abstinence-based model and supporting individuals who aim to taper off medications while ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare and support services.