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Interim Buprenorphine for Those on Waiting List for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Providing buprenorphine for those waiting for opioid use disorder treatment in Vermont reduces drug-related risks

A pilot study conducted in Vermont looked at the effect on illicit opioid use and other outcomes of providing buprenorphine for those waiting to enter comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), such as a methadone clinic.

Compared to a control group, those who received buprenorphine (the treatment group) showed statistically significant lower illicit opioid use over 12 weeks as determined by urinalysis, as well as lower frequency of intravenous drug use. They also scored lower on the psychiatric subscale of the Addiction Severity Index as described here.

The treatment group participated in daily calls to monitor drug use and symptoms of withdrawal and craving (see protocol). Adherence to daily buprenorphine treatment was high, as was patient satisfaction.

These outcomes suggest that providing buprenorphine and associated services in areas where standard treatment may not be immediately available could help reduce drug-related risks.

Interim buprenorphine dosing could reduce drug-related risks and consequences when comprehensive OUD treatment is unavailable. 

Continuum of Care
Treatment
Type of Evidence
Peer-reviewed
Response Approach
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Peer-reviewed Article
Interim Buprenorphine vs. Waiting List for Opioid Dependence
Within-subject evaluation of interim buprenorphine treatment during waitlist delays
Related Resources
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Save Lives
Medication-Assisted Treatment With Methadone: Assessing the Evidence
Medication-Assisted Treatment With Buprenorphine: Assessing the Evidence
Routes of Non-Traditional Entry into Buprenorphine Treatment Programs
Medication-Assisted Treatment Models of Care for Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care Settings
Remedy for the Rural Opioid Epidemic: Leaders Discuss Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment in Primary Care
Implementing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Rural Primary Care: Environmental Scan Volume 1
Implementing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Rural Primary Care: Environmental Scan Volume 2 Tools and Resources

Evidence of Program Effectiveness

"Among patients on a waiting list to receive comprehensive treatment, interim dosing with buprenorphine, paired with technology-assisted components intended to support adherence, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the use of illicit opioids and intravenous drugs as compared with remaining on the waiting list alone over 12 weeks. These results suggest that interim buprenorphine dosing could reduce drug-related risks and consequences when comprehensive treatment is unavailable. Interim treatment with buprenorphine may be suitable for patients in rural areas where there are limited treatment options." (Sigmon et al., 2016)