Barriers to Substance Use Treatment Among Criminal Legal System-Involved Women With Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Women who are involved with the criminal legal system face unique and well-documented barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Less is known regarding how these barriers translate to differences in SUD treatment utilization within this population. This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment among incarcerated women with opioid use disorder and characterize women who reported these barriers and demonstrate which barriers were significantly associated with a reduction in odds of receiving SUD treatment. Women who reported barriers had worse mental and physical health and had less access to other resources. Accessibility and affordability were the most commonly endorsed, as well as a lack of motivation for treatment. These barriers were also significantly associated with lower odds of having received treatment. Recommendations include providing transportation, increasing insurance coverage for substance use treatment, incorporating peer support and other motivational strategies, and increasing linkage to treatment for individuals upon release from incarceration.