Albizu-García, C. E., Caraballo, J. N., Caraballo-Correa, G., Hernández-Viver, A., & Román-Badenas, L. (2012). Assessing need for medication-assisted treatment for opiate- dependent prison inmates. Substance abuse, 33(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2011.620462 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22263714/ 

This article provides information on the pilot MAT program implemented in The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCR) of Puerto Rico (PR), a US territory. It reports on the research process, the needs assessment conducted, the findings and recommendations to expand MAT for eligible inmates, and lessons learned. This article serves to help provide insight into one system’s efforts to guide planning for an expansion of drug treatment services in correctional facilities. 

Bottom Line: This study found that while the MAT program in Puerto Rico’s correctional facilities could only accommodate 44 male participants, 308 individuals (male and female) were eligible for the MAT program, other insights were also gained into the program and recommendations for program expansion were provided.