Survey Finds Monthly Opioid Shot May Help Reduce Medication Misuse in Jails and Prisons

Correctional leaders identify staffing and coordination gaps as key barriers to reducing diversion of medications for opioid use disorder.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a syringe filled with a glowing liquid, conceptually representing the medical nature of opioid treatment in correctional facilities.An X-ray view of the medical tools used to administer long-acting opioid treatments, which correctional leaders say could help reduce medication misuse in prisons.Richmond Today

A national survey of 180 correctional professionals across U.S. jail and prison facilities found that a strong majority reported that long-acting injectable (LAI) buprenorphine could help reduce the diversion of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) within their facilities. However, respondents also identified structural barriers to effective MOUD implementation, including inadequate staffing and limited coordination between custody and health services.

Why it matters

As the opioid crisis continues to impact incarcerated populations, finding effective strategies to reduce medication misuse and diversion in correctional settings is crucial. This survey highlights how treatment models that simplify delivery, like LAI buprenorphine, have the potential to strengthen MOUD implementation and access while addressing diversion risks.

The details

The survey, funded by Indivior and conducted in partnership with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), found that 88% of respondents working in jails and 87% in prisons reported that LAI buprenorphine could help reduce MOUD diversion. Beyond diversion concerns, respondents identified structural barriers to effective MOUD implementation, including inadequate medical and custody staffing, limited coordination between custody and health services, and operational challenges related to medication administration and monitoring.

  • The survey was published in the Journal of Correctional Health Care on April 16, 2026.

The players

Indivior PLC

A pharmaceutical company that is the leader in long-acting injectable treatments for opioid use disorder.

Vanessa Procter

Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Indivior.

Christian Heidbreder

Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior.

National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)

A non-profit organization that partners with correctional facilities to improve health care in jails and prisons.

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What they’re saying

“As national policy attention turns toward strengthening long‑term recovery, these key insights highlight how treatment models that simplify delivery can strengthen MOUD implementation in criminal justice settings.”

— Vanessa Procter, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Indivior

“From a systems perspective, treatment approaches that reduce complexity while maintaining evidence-based care have the potential to support both patient access and institutional operations.”

— Christian Heidbreder, Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior

What’s next

The survey results highlight the need for policies and funding strategies that strengthen staffing capacity, enhance care coordination, and ensure sustainable MOUD delivery during incarceration and throughout reentry into the community.

The takeaway

This survey underscores the potential for long-acting injectable buprenorphine to help address the complex challenges of medication diversion and access to evidence-based treatment in correctional settings. However, broader systemic changes are still needed to fully support MOUD implementation and improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.