Overview

This qualitative study investigates the potential benefits and challenges of using a once-a-month injectable medication, known as extended-release buprenorphine (XR-B), to treat individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) within a correctional setting. The research aims to understand if XR-B can be a feasible and effective alternative to the standard daily treatment and to identify which groups within the prison population may benefit the most from this treatment. In-depth interviews are conducted with incarcerated individuals and relevant stakeholders.

Eligibility

Incarcerated individuals, inclusion criteria:

• English speaking
• Over the age of 18
• Diagnosed with opioid use disorder

Incarcerated individuals, Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with "Severe, Persistent, Mental Illness (SPMI)" Rationale for Exclusion: These individuals suffer from severe mental health disease and therefore warrant greater protection, have greater risk for coercion, and offer insights to severe co-diagnosis treatment that, while important, remain outside the scope of general MAT implementation.

Organizational Stakeholders, Inclusion Criteria:

• Employed or contracted by Rhode Island Department of Corrections (for organizational staff interviews) and involved with the Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program

Organizational Stakeholders, Exclusion Criteria:

• If not permitted by their organizational union to participate