Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Empowering Change: The Role of MAT in Criminal Justice Settings

Empowering Change: The Role of MAT in Criminal Justice Settings

Introduction

In the realm of criminal justice, the introduction of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a beacon of hope for addressing opioid addiction among justice-involved individuals. However, as highlighted in the research article "Medication assisted treatment (MAT) in criminal justice settings as a double-edged sword: balancing novel addiction treatments and voluntary participation," this approach comes with its own set of challenges and ethical considerations.

The Promise of MAT

MAT, particularly with long-acting injectable medications like naltrexone (Vivitrol), has shown promise in stabilizing addicted lifestyles, reducing crime rates, and decreasing overdose mortality. The integration of MAT in drug courts and correctional facilities represents a significant shift in addressing opioid use disorder within the criminal justice system.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While MAT offers potential benefits, the criminal justice environment presents unique challenges. The power dynamics and authority inherent in these settings can lead to coercion, undermining the voluntary nature of participation. It's crucial to ensure that individuals are not coerced into treatment but rather participate willingly and with informed consent.

Implementing Informed Consent

To protect individual autonomy, the consent processes required for medical or sociobehavioral research should be mirrored in MAT programs within criminal justice settings. This involves:

Encouraging Further Research

Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to explore the impacts of MAT in justice settings. Understanding the nuances of consent and coercion in these environments can lead to more effective and ethical treatment strategies.

Conclusion

The integration of MAT in criminal justice settings offers a promising avenue for addressing opioid addiction. However, it is imperative to balance the benefits of these treatments with the need for voluntary participation and informed consent. By doing so, we can ensure that justice-involved individuals receive the support they need in a manner that respects their autonomy and dignity.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Medication assisted treatment (MAT) in criminal justice settings as a double-edged sword: balancing novel addiction treatments and voluntary participation.


Citation: Hyatt, J. M., & Lobmaier, P. P. (2020). Medication assisted treatment (MAT) in criminal justice settings as a double-edged sword: balancing novel addiction treatments and voluntary participation. Health & Justice, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40352-020-0106-9
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP