Client and program-level factors associated with planned use of medications for opioid use disorder in specialty substance use treatment programs: Evidence from linked administrative data and survey data

Background

Most patients in specialty drug treatment programs that are not federally licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) programs do not receive medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

Methods

We linked results from a survey of non-OTP treatment program directors in New Jersey (n = 81) to statewide administrative records of admissions for opioid use to those programs between July 2021–June 2022. Using multi-level regression, we examined the association of three types of factors with planned MOUD use: program survey responses, client-level factors, and program-level client characteristic mix.

Results

Of 9583 opioid treatment admissions in non-OTP settings, 41 % included treatment plans involving MOUD. Programs where directors reported staff concerns about buprenorphine's efficacy or diversion had a lower proportion of clients with planned MOUD, as did programs reporting too little physical space to prescribe. Being self-referred to treatment, unemployed and not looking for work, aged 30–49, heroin use (vs. prescription opioid use), and stimulant use in addition to opioids, were positively associated with planned MOUD; while non-Medicaid insurance, and Black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, were negatively associated with planned MOUD. Clients were more likely to have planned MOUD if their programs had a higher proportion of clients aged 30 or older, heroin as primary “drug of abuse,” stimulant use, and not working but actively looking for work.

Conclusion

Findings suggest addressing program staff attitudes toward buprenorphine could help increase planned MOUD. There is also a need to improve access for clients with non-Medicaid insurance, address within-program race and ethnic disparities, and address employment-related barriers to medication.