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. 2016 Apr;22(2):98-108.
doi: 10.1177/1078345816634079.

Screaming Behind a Door: The Experiences of Individuals Incarcerated Without Medication-Assisted Treatment

Shoshana V Aronowitz  1 , Jennifer Laurent  2
Affiliations

Screaming Behind a Door: The Experiences of Individuals Incarcerated Without Medication-Assisted Treatment

Shoshana V Aronowitz et al. J Correct Health Care. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based method of treating opioid addiction. Of incarcerated individuals in the United States, 50% to 85% have a history of substance abuse, and > 80% of inmates with opioid addiction history do not receive treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore individuals' experiences after being tapered from MAT upon incarceration.

Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed using in-depth interviewing of 10 participants.

Results: Analysis identified six themes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences.

Implications and conclusion: Losing MAT upon incarceration was described as an extremely stressful experience for many individuals and may create issues for both inmates and facility staff. Further research is needed to discover ways to improve addiction treatment in prison.

Keywords: correctional health care; medication-assisted treatment; mental health; opioid maintenance treatment; substance abuse.

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