Treating Opioid Use Disorder and Related Infectious Diseases in the Criminal Justice System

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2020 Sep;34(3):585-603. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2020.06.012.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of opioid use disorder and its infectious complications among populations with criminal justice involvement. Opioid use disorder and chronic infections such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus are highly prevalent among incarcerated individuals and some of the unique features of correctional facilities present challenges for their appropriate medical management. We outline evidence-based strategies for integrated, patient-centered treatment during incarceration and the potentially hazardous transition back to the community upon release.

Keywords: Buprenorphine; Criminal justice involvement; Extended-release naltrexone; HIV infection; Harm reduction; Hepatitis C virus infection; Methadone; Opioid use disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Criminal Law
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / etiology
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / etiology
  • Humans
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Prisoners

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid