New Prison Policy Limits Opioid Addiction Treatment: What It Means for Inmates and Public Safety
Key impact: Starting October 1, 2025, Correctional Services Canada (CSC) has restricted access to proven, affordable opioid addiction treatments for federal inmates. This change could increase overdose risks inside prisons and after release, affecting public health and community safety across Canada.
What Changed?
CSC removed sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone (commonly known as Suboxone) from the standard formulary. Methadone is now a second-line treatment. Instead, inmates will be pushed toward extended-release injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade).
This contradicts national clinical guidelines, which recommend offering patients a choice between multiple treatment options.
Why This Matters
- Cost difference: Injectable buprenorphine costs at least $550 per month versus under $200 for sublingual options
- Patient autonomy removed: Inmates lose the ability to choose the treatment that works best for them
- Increased risks: Forced changes can cause severe withdrawal, destabilization, and relapse
- Public safety concern: Unstable inmates are more likely to relapse upon release, potentially increasing overdose deaths
Who Is Affected
- Federal inmates currently receiving opioid agonist treatment
- Inmates with needle phobias who cannot tolerate injections
- Individuals with specific medical needs that require sublingual or methadone options
- Families and communities of incarcerated individuals
- Canadian taxpayers who may face higher healthcare costs from increased overdoses
Over 150 clinicians and researchers have raised concerns, warning the policy undermines patient-centered care and contradicts evidence-based practices.
What You Should Do
- If you or a loved one is affected: Contact the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs or the Canadian Civil Liberties Association for support and advocacy
- Voice your concerns: Write to your Member of Parliament (MP) and ask them to raise this issue in Parliament
- Stay informed: Follow updates from health advocacy groups and news outlets covering prison health policy
- Share this information: Let others know about this policy change, especially if they have family members in federal custody
Bottom Line
This policy change reduces access to proven, affordable addiction treatments for incarcerated Canadians. It increases overdose risks both inside prisons and after release, potentially harming public health and community safety. Health experts and advocacy groups are calling for a reversal and a return to patient-centered care. If this affects you or someone you know, reach out to support organizations and contact your MP.
Source: Healthy Debate, May 2026