Moore, K. E., Roberts, W., Reid, H. H., Smith, K. M. Z., Oberleitner, L. M. S., & McKee, S. A. (2019). Effectiveness of medication assisted treatment for opioid use in prison and jail settings: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 99, 32–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2018.12.003 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30797392/ 

This meta-analysis and systematic review looked at how MOUD treatment in prisons and jails affects behaviors after release. 2 databases (PubMed and PsychINFO) were used to find peer-reviewed articles. A total of 24 articles were used. It was found that individuals who received methadone during incarceration were 8 times more likely to receive treatment in the community. There was also a 78% decrease in illicit opioid use and a 74% decrease in injection drug use after incarceration for those who had been prescribed methadone during incarceration. In reduction of illicit opioid use, buprenorphine and naltrexone were found to be as effective or more effective than methadone. 

Bottom Line: A meta-analysis of 24 articles found that MOUD treatment during incarceration has been found to be effective in increasing rates of continued treatment in the community and decreasing illicit opioid use.