Medication-Assisted Treatment / Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MAT / MOUD )

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are proven, evidence-based methods for treating opioid addiction. These approaches combine FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies, offering a comprehensive path to recovery. MAT/MOUD is widely recognized as the clinical standard for addressing opioid use disorder (OUD), especially in correctional settings where rates of substance use are considerably higher than among the general public.

For healthcare professionals and administrators working inside jails and prisons, a clear understanding of MAT/MOUD is critical. These interventions not only improve clinical outcomes but also reduce the likelihood of reoffending and align with national guidelines from agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).

Why are MAT/MOUD Critical in Correctional Care?

Opioid addiction is a chronic and relapsing illness that demands ongoing, multi-faceted care, especially for individuals in custody who often lack consistent access to treatment. MAT/MOUD offers patients physiological stability, helps prevent fatal overdoses (particularly during reentry), and connects them with long-term recovery supports.

Correctional facilities face growing expectations from federal and state bodies to adopt harm reduction strategies and ensure treatment continuity. Implementing MAT/MOUD isn’t just good clinical practice; it’s also a legal and moral obligation. Facilities adopting these practices are better positioned to meet care standards, protect incarcerated individuals, and uphold public health and safety responsibilities.

Core Components of an Effective MAT/MOUD Program

• FDA-Approved Medications
  

The cornerstone medications used in MAT/MOUD are methadone, buprenorphine (commonly as Suboxone), and naltrexone. Each works differently: methadone is a full opioid agonist, buprenorphine is a partial agonist, and naltrexone is an antagonist. The choice depends on a patient’s needs, history, and treatment goals.

• Behavioral Therapy
  

Medications alone aren’t sufficient for lasting recovery. Counseling and behavioral therapy help address the psychological dimensions of addiction, build life skills, and support sustained change.

• Screening and Assessment
  

A thorough clinical evaluation ensures appropriate treatment planning. This includes reviewing previous substance use, medical and psychiatric history, and identifying any existing co-occurring disorders.

• Dosing and Monitoring
  

Careful dosage initiation and regular monitoring allow for safe, effective treatment while minimizing side effects and the potential for misuse. Medical teams must make timely adjustments based on patient response.

• Care Coordination
  

Maintaining continuity of care across all stages of incarceration, especially as individuals transition back into the community, is essential for reducing overdose risk and supporting sustained recovery. Coordination should begin well before release and continue with strong handoffs to community providers.

• Regulatory Compliance
  

Correctional MAT/MOUD programs must navigate a range of compliance requirements, including state and federal prescribing laws, DEA oversight, and facility accreditation standards set by agencies such as NCCHC and the American Correctional Association (ACA).

How MAT/MOUD Operates Inside a Correctional Facility

Implementing MAT/MOUD in a correctional setting starts with a structured intake process where qualified clinicians evaluate each patient’s substance use history. Those meeting diagnostic criteria for OUD may either start medications or continue existing regimens, under the supervision of medical staff. Supervised, often daily, dosing ensures treatment adherence and patient safety.

Operationalizing MAT/MOUD introduces specific logistical demands. These include safely storing and dispensing controlled substances, staffing licensed professionals, scheduling therapy sessions, and integrating MAT into broader healthcare delivery. Effective reentry planning is particularly crucial, as most overdose fatalities occur in the first 72 hours post-release, making structured discharge protocols and external referrals a must.

To support continuity and reduce operational risk, facilities must track treatment data accurately and in real time. This includes dosing logs, therapy progress, and documentation required for audits or oversight. Up-to-date correctional EHR systems are indispensable for managing this complexity and ensuring care quality.

The Impact: Clinical, Operational, and Public Safety Benefits

• Clinical Effectiveness
  MAT/MOUD helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid cravings, creating a more stable foundation for individuals to engage fully with recovery efforts.
• Reduced Recidivism
  Treating the underlying substance use disorder significantly reduces the chances of reoffending. Access to MAT/MOUD gives people the tools to break the cycle between addiction and incarceration.
• Improved Post-Release Outcomes
  Patients who remain on MAT after release are less likely to relapse or suffer a fatal overdose, especially when connected to community support and follow-up care.
• Operational Efficiency
  A well-integrated MAT/MOUD program—especially when supported by modern EHR systems—streamlines daily operations. Automated medication tracking, progress notes, and therapy scheduling reduce administrative burdens and enhance team communication.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  Providing legally compliant MAT/MOUD services helps facilities avoid penalties and lawsuits while reinforcing their commitment to ethical, high-quality medical care.

How CorrecTek Supports MAT/MOUD Delivery in Corrections

CorrecTek’s electronic health record platform is built to meet the real-world demands of MAT/MOUD delivery in secure environments. Our tools simplify documentation of medication regimens, seamlessly track counseling and behavioral health services, and facilitate structured discharge planning to promote continuity after release. With compliance features and protocol customization built in, correctional teams can safely and efficiently administer MAT/MOUD at every step of incarceration.

CorrecTek equips facilities to provide trusted, life-saving treatment options that meet both clinical best practices and regulatory requirements. Get in touch to see how our MAT/MOUD tools can transform your approach to combating opioid addiction behind the walls and beyond.