Journal of substance abuse treatment
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J Subst Abuse Treat · Dec 2018
Multicenter StudyRisk factors for discontinuation of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorders in a multi-state sample of Medicaid enrollees.
Recent U.S. trends demonstrate sharp rises in adverse opioid-related health outcomes, including opioid use disorder (OUD), overdose, and death. Yet few affected people receive treatment for OUD and a minority of those who receive treatment are effectively retained in care. The purpose of this study was to examine duration of buprenorphine treatment for OUD following treatment initiation to identify risk factors for early discontinuation. ⋯ For Medicaid beneficiaries with OUD treated with buprenorphine, there is a need to implement treatment models that more effectively address barriers to treatment retention. These barriers are particularly challenging for minorities, younger individuals, and those with additional substance use disorders.