The MAT Factor

Use of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for treating substance use disorders remains the exception and not the rule. Barriers to treatment include stigma, regulatory hurdles, few prescribers, expense, and limited availability (see Leveling The Playing Field and Addressing Addiction Stigma Among Clinicians: The Shatterproof ‘A Provider’s Pathway’ Curriculum).

But there has been a steady stream of research about the cost-effectiveness of MAT. A recent study—Medications For Opioid Use Disorder In County Jails—Outcomes After Release—added to that body of research.

In 2019, seven county correctional facilities in Massachusetts initiated pilot programs to provide all Food and . . .