CTN-0027-A-2: Retention of Suboxone Patients in START: Perspectives of Providers and Patients

Yih-Ing Hser, PhD
Lead Investigator
Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
University of California, Los Angeles
ysher@ucla.edu

The overall purposes of the supplemental study are (1) to identify barriers for retaining Suboxone patients in START, and (2) to address the barriers if study conditions and findings permit.

Primary Findings

Provision of methadone appears to be associated with better retention in treatment for opioid dependence than buprenorphine, as does provision of higher doses of both medications. Provision of buprenorphine is associated with lower continued use of illicit opioids. The high dropout rates at the early phase of buprenorphine treatment suggest the need for early interventions to prevent dropout.

Results Article: Hser Y. Treatment retention among patients randomized to buprenorphine/naloxone compared to methadone in a multi-site trial. Addiction 2014;109(1):79-87. [get article]