Treitler, P. C., Enich, M., Reeves, D., & Crystal, S. (2022). Medications for opioid use disorder in state prisons: Perspectives of formerly incarcerated persons. Substance abuse, 43(1), 964–971. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2022.2060448 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35420973/ 

For this study, 53 individuals who were formally incarcerated were interviewed about their experiences and opinions on MOUD treatment both during incarceration and in the community. 33 participants used MOUD during and after incarceration, 4 after release, 6 during incarceration only, and 10 during neither incarceration nor after release. Barriers to MOUD treatment during incarceration were discussed, including miscommunication about eligibility, concerns about diversion, and perceived stigma. Barriers to community care discussed included insurance issues and COVID-19. The most common reason participants did not use MOUD during incarceration was due to feeling complete abstinence from any drug was the ideal form of recovery. 

Bottom Line: Of 53 individuals who participated in this study, the majority of participants who received MOUD during and after incarceration found it helpful, however, many barriers to treatment exist.