Treatment preference for opioid use disorder among people who are incarcerated

Abstract

Introduction: The devastating overdose crisis remains a leading cause of death in the United States, especially among individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Currently, three classes (opioid agonist, partial agonist-antagonist, and antagonist) of FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) exist, yet few correctional settings offer any medication treatment for people who are incarcerated. Facilities that do often provide only one medication.

Methods: We conducted 40 semi-structured qualitative interviews with individuals receiving MOUD incarcerated at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

Results: Results from this study indicate that people who are incarcerated have preferences for certain types of MOUD. Individuals' preferences were influenced by medication side effects, route of administration, delivery in the community, and stigma.

Conclusion: MOUD programs in the community and in correctional settings should use a patient-centered approach that allows choice of medication by offering all FDA-approved MOUD treatment options.

Keywords: Incarceration; Medication for opioid use disorder; Opioid use disorder; Patient preference.