Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Community-Based Settings: Outcome Related to Intensity of Services and Urine Drug Test Results

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Variables contributing to the outcome of buprenorphine treatment for opiate use disorder have been studied, including patient characteristics and the treatment approach applied. It is also valuable to study the types of clinical facilities that can affect outcome. Methods: We evaluated patients (N = 20 993) in 573 facilities where buprenorphine was prescribed. Urine drug test results were analyzed for those (N = 13 281) who had buprenorphine prescribed at least twice in the period January 2015 through June 2017. Facilities were divided into three categories: medication management (MM) only, limited psychosocial (LP) therapy, and recovery-oriented (with more extensive counseling and a 12-step orientation) (RO). Results: Urine drug tests negative for other opioids at the time of the second buprenorphine prescription were 34% for MM, 56% for LP, and 62% for RO (P