Martin, R. A., Alexander-Scott, N., Berk, J., Carpenter, R. W., Kang, A., Hoadley, A., Kaplowitz, E., Hurley, L., Rich, J. D., & Clarke, J. G. (2022). Post-incarceration outcomes of a comprehensive statewide correctional MOUD program: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet regional health. Americas, 18, 100419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2022.100419 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36844014/ 

This study looked at how MOUD treatment during incarceration affects overdose rates, community treatment engagement, and recidivism. Individuals who were incarcerated and enrolled in the MOUD treatment program after December 1, 2016, and were released before December 31, 2018, were included in the study (1600 total). 72.6% of individuals had continued treatment one month after release and 85.8% within a year. There was no significant difference in recidivism between those who had been enrolled in MOUD treatment and those who had not. There were 12 overdose deaths within one year of release, with one occurring during the first two weeks after release. 

Bottom Line: MOUD treatment during incarceration was linked to higher rates of continued treatment after release and lower rates of overdose deaths.