McMillan, G. P., Lapham, S., & Lackey, M. (2008). The effect of a jail methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) program on inmate recidivism. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 103(12), 2017–2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02361.x 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19469745/ 

This article described a prospective, longitudinal, observational study that evaluates the effects of a jail-based continuation of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) on subsequent inmate recidivism risks. The authors found that there is no support for or against either argument that jail-based MMT will increase or reduce inmate recidivism. These results should encourage corrections administrators who are concerned that providing MMT in the jail will reduce the deterrent effects of jail time on MMT patients, if not actually motivating MMT patients to become incarcerated actively. Corrections administrators are further encouraged to promote jail-based MMT, as this may improve inmate linkage with outside MMT providers upon release from jail. The authors make an argument for promoting MOUD treatment on clinical grounds only, with no expected harm to public safety. 

Bottom Line: This study found that methadone treatment during incarceration had no effect on recidivism.