Contraband Drugs—Not Lack of Treatment—Are Killing Inmates in Jails

Contraband drugs are causing fatal overdoses in jails, not the lack of treatment. CHS provides medication-assisted treatment to inmates who need it. The programme is voluntary and has no current waitlist for patients in custody. CHS spends $30 million annually on medication-assisted treatment for those in jail. The service is optional, and inmates cannot be compelled to take part. Once a person requests help, treatment usually starts within 72 hours, depending on individual circumstances.

Despite the availability of care, overdoses from smuggled substances remain the primary cause of death. This highlights the ongoing risk posed by illegal drugs inside correctional facilities. The system currently has no backlog for medication-assisted treatment. Inmates can access support quickly if they choose to do so. However, contraband drugs continue to pose a lethal threat in jails.