Unlocking the Potential: Medication Assisted Therapies for Opioid Substance Use Disorder in Correctional Settings
To reduce overdose rates in the U.S., leaders must recognize the impact of medication-assisted treatment in correctional facilities.
Jeffrey Alvarez
Dr. Jeffrey Alvarez has dedicated his career to transforming healthcare for underserved populations, focusing on the opioid crisis in correctional facilities. Early on, he recognized the gap in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for incarcerated individuals, who face high risks of fatal overdose upon release. His experience at a methadone clinic gave him insights into patient challenges, paving the way for his groundbreaking work with Maricopa County (AZ). There, he launched one of the first in-jail opioid treatment programs, expanding access to life-saving care across the system.
As Chief Clinical Officer at leading correctional healthcare provider, NaphCare, Dr. Alvarez pioneered the use of buprenorphine in withdrawal protocols and developed a nationally recognized opioid substance abuse treatment program. His work ensures continuity of care, reduces recidivism, and offers individuals a chance at lasting recovery, making NaphCare a leader in breaking addiction cycles and incarceration.