| Determine which services to provide: methadone detoxification, methadone maintenance, or linkage to community MMT on release. |
| Determine eligibility. We considered inmates with a documentable history of >1 year of opiate addiction and reported active opiate use within 30 days of incarceration eligible for MMT (Documentation included: previously in detoxification or treatment for opiate addiction, criminal history of heroin possession, documentation by physician, etc). |
| Build a relationship with facility management. |
| Provide ongoing education for staff at all levels. |
| Maintain a consistent presence in the facility. |
| Share research results and clinical outcomes with correctional staff. |
| Work with management to resolve liability issues related to methadone security breaches. |
| Work with community methadone agencies if correctional medical staff is unwilling or unable to provide methadone. |
| Present cases of local patients who have done well; correctional staff only see offenders. |
| Begin at a low dosage, increase dosage slowly, carefully monitor for toxicity. |
