Study shows why much of OUD treatment falls short of optimal duration

Abstract

Newly published research has shed further light on the factors that influence retention in medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), confirming that variables such as young age and referral from the justice system increase the likelihood of treatment discontinuation before six months. Results of the study also suggest that many outpatient treatment programs are ignoring the evidence base for extended treatment and are using medications such as buprenorphine as a short‐term taper strategy only.