MOUD in Drug Courts: Examining Attitudes, Access, and Challenges to Meeting Client Needs

• In Event: We Need Help: Research-Practitioner Partnerships to Improve Drug Court Practices

Abstract

Drug court clients experience disproportionately high rates of opioid use compared to the general population, which can negatively impact drug court graduation rates and relapse and recidivism outcomes. Despite the established effectiveness of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), access remains limited within drug court settings. This gap is often due to restrictive drug court policies and stigma toward MOUD, particularly opioid agonist medications such as methadone and buprenorphine. This paper examines drug court staff perceptions of MOUD, explores how these attitudes influence client access to treatment, and identifies strategies to reduce stigma and enhance staff support for MOUD. Additionally, we consider how researchers can collaborate with drug court staff to implement interventions that promote MOUD acceptance and accessibility. This research underscores the need for enhanced staff training and stronger partnerships between drug courts and community-based MOUD providers to improve client outcomes and reduce relapse and recidivism.

Authors

• Jennifer Stanley, Temple University

• Irina Fanarraga, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Steven Belenko, Temple University