The Critical Role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Correctional Facilities

The opioid crisis in the United States has left no community untouched—including correctional facilities, where a significant portion of the incarcerated population struggles with substance use disorders (SUD). For individuals battling opioid addiction, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a proven, evidence-based approach that not only reduces withdrawal symptoms but also decreases the risk of relapse and fatal overdoses.

At Roadrunner Health Services, we understand the immense value of providing MAT in correctional settings, and we are committed to ensuring access to this life-saving treatment.

Why MAT is Essential in Corrections

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect a large portion of the incarcerated population, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimating that nearly 65% of individuals in U.S. prisons meet the criteria for an active SUD. Yet, access to comprehensive treatment during incarceration remains limited. This gap can lead to serious consequences—especially during reentry, when the risk of overdose is significantly heightened. By working together, correctional facilities, healthcare providers, and community organizations bridge this gap and support better outcomes for individuals transitioning back into society.

MAT is a comprehensive treatment approach that combines FDA-approved medications—such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—with behavioral therapies and counseling. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, MAT helps incarcerated individuals stabilize their health, improve their chances of successful reintegration, and reduce recidivism.

The Benefits of Implementing MAT in Correctional Facilities

1. Reduces Overdose Deaths One of the most significant risks for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) is fatal overdose, particularly in the first few weeks post-release. Studies have shown that inmates who receive MAT while incarcerated and continue treatment after release are significantly less likely to die from opioid-related overdoses.
2. Improves Inmate Health and Well-Being MAT helps manage withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and stabilizes individuals, allowing them to engage in rehabilitation programs and improve their overall well-being. This, in turn, leads to fewer medical emergencies and a reduction in the spread of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
3. Decreases Violent and Disruptive Behavior Inmates struggling with opioid withdrawal often experience extreme discomfort, leading to agitation, aggression, and non-compliance with facility regulations. By providing MAT, correctional facilities can create a safer environment for both inmates and staff by reducing these behavioral issues.
4. Lowers Recidivism Rates Without access to proper treatment, many individuals with OUD return to substance use shortly after release, increasing their likelihood of re-arrest. MAT has been linked to lower recidivism rates by helping individuals maintain sobriety, secure employment, and successfully reintegrate into society.
5. Cost-Effective Solution Investing in MAT can reduce long-term correctional healthcare costs by minimizing the need for emergency medical interventions, hospitalizations, and repeat incarcerations. By treating addiction effectively, correctional facilities can break the costly cycle of incarceration and re-incarceration for drug-related offenses.

Overcoming Barriers to MAT Implementation

Medication Assisted Treatment is a proven, evidence-based approach that supports recovery and reduces recidivism. While implementation in correctional settings has faced challenges ranging from logistical hurdles to long-standing perceptions. We recognize that these concerns stem from real-world constraints and a deep commitment to safety and care. We work with correctional facilities as essential partners in expanding access to MAT, and we’re committed to providing education, support, and tools that align with each facility’s goals and values. Our shared mission is to improve health outcomes and offer meaningful pathways to recovery for those in custody.

At Roadrunner Health Services, we work closely with correctional facilities to implement MAT programs that meet their unique needs. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Screening and Assessment: Identifying inmates who would benefit from MAT.
• Medical Supervision: Ensuring safe and regulated administration of MAT medications.
• Counseling and Support Services: Providing behavioral health interventions to support long-term recovery.
• Continuity of Care: Coordinating post-release treatment plans to ensure ongoing support.

The opioid crisis requires a proactive, evidence-based response - especially within correctional facilities. By implementing MAT programs, jails and prisons save lives, reduce recidivism, and promote safer, healthier communities. Roadrunner Health Services is dedicated to helping correctional institutions provide the highest standard of care for inmates struggling with addiction, ensuring they have the resources necessary for a successful transition back into society.

For more information on how Roadrunner Health Services can help your facility implement MAT, contact us today.

Sources for article:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
3. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
5. National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) & National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)