The Biden administration wants the states to use Medicaid funding to provide treatment for opioid use disorder. For many people, this will be a lifesaving treatment that will prevent overdose and intense cravings on the inside and out of corrections. This effort has been accelerated after pilot programs found it helped keep inmates alive once they return home and prevent overdoses on the inside.

How Do Jail Opioid Treatment Programs Work?

The Biden Administration’s new agenda asks states to adopt a new Medicaid program that will cover health care on the inside of facilities. New Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services funds will allow states to sign up with the federal government. The program, using Medicaid funding, covers addiction treatment for up to 90 days. Ideally, this treatment program will occur before a justice-involved individual is released. When they get out of confinement, Medicaid can continue to pick up the cost, and treatment can go uninterrupted, giving participants a fighting chance to stay sober.

Many substance users feel at a loss when they return to their communities from incarceration. They’ve missed much life, and their relationships are probably already strained. Anxiety and depression are common among former inmates. Unsurprisingly, some people feel that self-medicating with drugs can help calm some of their new stress. However, substance use disorders add more stress and using drugs can actually increase anxiety. Staying sober can help people focus on working towards goals and the very best outcome possible.

Opioid Addiction Among Justice-Involved Individuals

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 65% of people in U.S. jails meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, and many of these individuals have an opioid use disorder specifically.

There are many reasons that addiction is prevalent among people in jail. One major factor is the criminalization of drug use. Many people with substance use disorders are incarcerated for drug-related offenses. Some people who struggle with addiction also face other social and economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, or homelessness. These social factors increase the risk of criminal behavior and involvement with the justice system.

Incarceration itself can also exacerbate addiction, as it can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Incarcerated people typically have minimal access to healthcare, including addiction treatment, and may face social isolation and a lack of support upon release.

Opioid Treatment in Prisons and Jail

Biden’s new Medicaid policy signals increased recognition of the need to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in jails and prisons. Many incarcerated individuals have a history of opioid addiction and are at high risk of relapse upon release. Access to MAT in these settings has traditionally been limited due to various factors, including stigma, lack of training among staff, and legal and regulatory barriers. At the same time, nearly 75% of people with opioid use disorder relapse upon release from incarceration.

Some correctional facilities have successfully implemented MAT programs for incarcerated individuals. MAT can improve outcomes for both the individual and society by reducing overdose deaths, criminal behavior, and overall health outcomes.

MAT alone is not a comprehensive solution to the opioid epidemic.12-step meetings, drug and addiction education, and therapy are all important tools to help somebody stay sober long-term. Addressing the root causes of addiction, including social and economic factors, is also crucial in preventing and treating opioid addiction.

Addressing addiction among people in jail requires a comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying social and economic factors contributing to addiction. Ideally, jail and prison programs can now access evidence-based addiction treatment. Medicaid can provide insurance that helps individuals recover when they’re ready to re-enter society post-incarceration. 12-step peer groups and other treatment options such as sober living can help them stay sober, as well.

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