@article{ref1,
title="Medication assisted treatment in US drug courts: Results from a nationwide survey of availability, barriers and attitudes",
journal="Journal of substance abuse treatment",
year="2013",
author="Matusow, Harlan and Dickman, Samuel L. and Rich, Josiah D. and Fong, Chunki and Dumont, Dora M. and Hardin, Carolyn and Marlowe, Douglas and Rosenblum, Andrew",
volume="44",
number="5",
pages="473-480",
abstract="Drug treatment courts are an increasingly important tool in reducing the census of those incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses; medication assisted treatment (MAT) is proven to be an effective treatment for opioid addiction. However, little is known about the availability of and barriers to MAT provision for opioid-addicted people under drug court jurisdiction. Using an online survey, we assessed availability, barriers, and need for MAT (especially agonist medication) for opioid addiction in drug courts. Ninety-eight percent reported opioid-addicted participants, and 47% offered agonist medication (56% for all MAT including naltrexone). Barriers included cost and court policy. Responses revealed significant uncertainty, especially among non-MAT providing courts. Political, judicial and administrative opposition appear to affect MAT's inconsistent use and availability in drug court settings. These data suggest that a substantial, targeted educational initiative is needed to increase awareness of the treatment and criminal justice benefits of MAT in the drug courts.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0740-5472",
doi="10.1016/j.jsat.2012.10.004",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2012.10.004"
}