(Brendan Baptiste, Communications Office)
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a treatment for individuals battling opioid use disorder. This treatment is impactful for incarcerated individuals as it provides a structured way to address their addiction and supports their journey towards recovery. MOUD treatment includes medications like Methadone and Suboxone, which are highly effective in reducing opioid cravings and are noted to have a 50% reduction in mortality risk.
For incarcerated individual, Joshua Tillery, the medication acted as an opioid blocker, preventing cravings and helping him find stability in his life.
“This disease has destroyed my life, it has destroyed my family,” says Tillery. “But thanks to God, it has collectively balanced itself out because of this medication.”
This feeling of control and stability is key to allowing individuals to focus on their recovery and future. The program’s success can be measured by both individual recovery and its positive impact on the prison environment, making prisons safer for both incarcerated and staff.
However, despite its proven effectiveness, the program faces significant resource constraints. Approximately 30% of the state’s incarcerated population needs opioid use disorder therapy. DOC is currently only able to treat about 21% of those who need this crucial care. Finding a solution is a high priority for Tim Lang DOC Secretary.
“Providing treatment will make our facilities safer, and help people address their addiction so that they can successfully reenter society upon release,” says Secretary Lang.
MOUD is a valuable tool for recovery, offering incarcerated individuals an opportunity to remain sober and build better coping and stress management skills. By addressing the root cause of addiction with medication, MOUD provides an opportunity for those struggling with addiction for self-improvement to build a strong recovery. This will contribute to safer communities and a higher chance for long-term recovery.
“I want to be able to offer them medications that can be really effective for their recovery” says Dr. Catherine Smith, Addiction Medicine Director. “Because everyone deserves the same chance in their recovery, regardless of if they are incarcerated or not.”