Does Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opiate Addiction Work to Reduce Recidivism: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: The Role of Practitioner-Driven Science

Abstract

Opiate addiction is a chronic disease characterized by long-term changes to the structure of the brain and high potential of relapse. While there is clear evidence demonstrating the efficacy of medication-assisted treatment in combination with behavioral therapy in reducing substance abuse, the criminal justice system has often been reluctant to endorse medication-assisted treatment for opiate addicts due to legitimate concerns about the abuse potential and diversion to the streets of certain medications. Also in question is the ability of these medications to produce positive outcomes for recidivism in addition to reduced use. The answers to such questions are critical from both a clinical and a policy making context. Given the recent increases in opiate addiction and the availability of newer medications that do not have abuse potential, there is new interest among practitioners and policy makers to investigate the potential applications of medication—assisted treatment. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of all available research comparing medication-assisted treatment to treatment as usual for opiate addicted offenders. The outcome measure of interest was post-release recidivism as measured by official records.

Authors

• Amber Manzo, University of Cincinnati

• Kimberly Sperber, Talbert House Center for Health and Human Services Research

• Bradley Buckmeier, University of Cincinnati