Risk Factors for Discontinuation of Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and the associated risk of overdose and death, is becoming one of the most prevalent threats to health and social wellbeing in the United States. Medication, such as buprenorphine, is the gold standard treatment for individuals with OUD, however the risk of discontinuation of treatment remains high.

A recent piece of research, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, has examined the risk associated with early discontinuation of buprenorphine treatment for OUD.

The study, which analysed data from over 17,000 individuals with OUD, found over one-quarter of the sample discontinued buprenorphine in the first month of treatment. The characteristics that were particularly related with earlier discontinuation included male sex, younger age and minority race/ethnicity. Clinical risk factors included: low initial dose of buprenorphine; a history of alcohol and non-opioid drug use disorders; previous opioid overdose; hepatitis C; and those who had used inpatient health care. 

It is vital that, when analysing treatment outcomes of OUD, the reasons for discontinuation are documented and analysed. Identifying risk factors for buprenorphine discontinuation is important for targeting patients who could benefit from more rigorous efforts to improve outcomes.