Dr. Christopher Jones, U.S. Public Health Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reviews current options (to include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone) in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those with an opioid use disorder. He also discusses laws and regulations related to the use of controlled substances in treatment, and highlights some of the challenges in implementing opioid treatment programs in criminal justice settings. He notes the important role judges exercise in setting social norms on how medications improve the lives of those with an opioid use disorder.
In his interview, Dr. Jones responds to the following questions:
00:25 Please explain thes terms MAT and MOUD and how they differ.
01:28 Can you explain how methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine work?
03:34 When should the treatment start? Are there any risks associated with going through treatment?
04:32 Can you highlight the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatments?
04:53 Is there general support for MAT within the health-care and research communities? What would you say to critics who believe MAT is just substituting use of one controlled substance for another?
06:10 Can you explain some of the laws related to the use of controlled substances in treatment?
09:06 Let's talk about guidance or criteria for opioid treatment programs.
10:02 It’s been said that medication works best in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. Why is this so important?
11:14 Medication-assisted treatment has existed for more than forty years. How has its use changed over time?
13:31 What are some of concerns regarding treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder?
15:07 How do you feel about alternative-treatment options available for opioid use disorder?
15:50 Let's talk about current opioid treatment programs and the steps OTP sponsors must take to become certified.
16:59 What are some of the challenges in implementing MAT programs in criminal justice settings?
19:11 Is there anything else judges need to know about MAT and related treatment options?
