Barriers to Entry and Retention for Medications for Addiction Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders

Authors

Meredith Mohr, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Addiction Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Larry Herman

Abstract

Opiate use disorders (OUD) are a major and increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Medications for addiction treatment (MAT), such as methadone and buprenorphine, have been shown to be the most effective treatments for OUD, but only ten percent of people with OUD are in treatment using these medications. This paper identifies the most common barriers to initiation and retention of MAT, such as stigma, poor insurance coverage, lack of education and training, limited transportation, and legal involvement. This paper also suggests solutions to these problems.

Recommended Citation

Mohr M. Barriers to Entry and Retention for Medications for Addiction Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).