Jail-Based MAT: Promising Practices, Guidelines and Resources

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and the National Sheriffs’ Association present a resource to support jail administrators in providing effective treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder and helping to halt the opioid epidemic in the United States. Jails are on the front lines of this epidemic, and they also are in a unique position to initiate treatment in a controlled, safe environment. Pharmacotherapy—i.e., medication-assisted treatment—is a cornerstone of best practice for recovery from substance abuse. Treatment using MAT, particularly when coupled with evidence-based behavioral therapy, improves medical and mental health outcomes and reduces relapses and recidivism.