| Notwithstanding these positive findings,
however, Simoens et al. (2002) point out that further research is required
to properly ascertain at which stage of treatment that additional services,
in combination with the provision of MMT, are most effective. As well,
research is needed to investigate the long-term effectiveness of these
combined interventions. Finally, it must be both realized and accepted
that the success of combining MMT with additional supports is logical,
as it is not drug use itself which leads to addiction, but rather a person’s
inability to cope that causes him or her to become addicted to drugs.
Having now examined a number of general and specific benefits that are
provided by MMT, it is suggested that there is clearly a substantial,
positive cost/benefit ratio of expanding existing MMT in Canadian prisons.
Accordingly, the obvious question is raised: Why has Canada not yet developed
and implemented a policy to expand the use of MMT to all those who are
medically determined to benefit from it?
RECOMMENDATIONS
In an effort to promote the development and implementation of a policy
to expand the use of MMT, the following six recommendations are made:
- If it is medically determined that a heroin addicted inmate who is
incarcerated in Canada would benefit from MMT, then he or she should
be permitted to either continue or begin receiving such treatment while
incarcerated. This policy should be implemented regardless of short-term
cost considerations. That is, immediate funding should be provided to
the MMT program such that every prisoner who has a medically determined
need, should be allowed access to methadone.
- Increased and quality education about addictions and MMT should be
provided to ALL staff and inmates within Canadian federal prisons.
- Further research is required to properly ascertain at which stage
of treatment that additional services, in combination with the provision
of MMT, are most effective. As well, research is needed to investigate
the long-term effectiveness of these combined interventions (Simoens
et al. 2002). Insomuch as CSC manages one of the highest risk drug using
populations in Canada, it should take a leadership role in this research
effort.
- Determine the “real” barriers to the expansion of existing
MMT programs in federal prisons in Canada, and do what is necessary
to eradicate them.
- Ensure that sufficient follow-up treatment is made available for
federal inmates upon their release back into the community.
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