A recent study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that there is a need to reevaluate treatment recommendations for opioid addiction in light of the fentanyl crisis. The study, conducted by researchers at Brown University, found that individuals with opioid use disorder who were prescribed a lower dose of buprenorphine were more likely to discontinue treatment compared to those on a higher dose.
The study analyzed data from 6,499 Rhode Island residents who initiated buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder between 2016 and 2020. It found that patients prescribed the recommended target dose of 16 milligrams were significantly more likely to discontinue treatment within 180 days compared to those prescribed a higher dose of 24 milligrams.
Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The current guidelines recommend a maintenance dose ranging from 4 mg to 24 mg, with a target dose of 16 mg per day for most patients. However, the study suggests that higher doses of buprenorphine may be more effective in improving treatment retention, especially in individuals with higher tolerance to opioids.
The increasing prevalence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than heroin, has raised questions about the adequacy of current dosing guidelines for buprenorphine. In 2021, more than 70,000 overdose deaths were primarily attributed to fentanyl. The study highlights the need to adapt treatment guidelines to address the unique challenges posed by this potent opioid.
To further investigate the impact of higher buprenorphine doses on treatment retention and overdose risk, researchers plan to conduct a prospective randomized clinical trial. This trial will also examine other factors that may be associated with treatment retention, such as prescribing practices and patient demographics.
These findings emphasize the importance of evolving treatment guidelines to match the challenges of the fentanyl crisis. Effective treatment is crucial in saving lives and helping individuals with opioid use disorder achieve recovery.
For more information on substance and mental health treatment programs, you can call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit www.FindTreatment.gov.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
