Comparing Reasons for Starting and Stopping Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone Treatment Among a Sample of White Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder.

OBJECTIVES

Despite their efficacy, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are underutilized in the United States. Nonetheless, few studies have explored reasons why individuals choose to start MOUD or discontinue MOUD after starting, especially extended-release naltrexone. We sought to identify reasons why individuals start and stop MOUD, including the differences between starting and stopping the 3 most common formulations: methadone, sublingual buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone.

METHODS

We conducted 31 semistructured interviews over the phone with a sample of white individuals with a history of MOUD utilization. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling from 8 US states. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded in Dedoose software, and analyzed using thematic analysis and modified event structure analysis.

RESULTS

Participants primarily learned about methadone and buprenorphine from other individuals with OUD. Participants primarily became interested in starting buprenorphine and methadone after seeing the medications work effectively in peers, though methadone was perceived as a last resort. In contrast, participants primarily learned about and became interested in naltrexone after receiving information from health practitioners. Participants frequently stopped MOUD to prevent medication or health service dependence. Participants also felt stigma and external pressure to stop buprenorphine and methadone, but not naltrexone. Some participants identified relapse and medication termination by health providers or the criminal justice system as reasons for stopping MOUD.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the frequency with which participants identified informal peer education as a reason for starting methadone and buprenorphine, peers with MOUD experience may be a trusted source of information for individuals seeking OUD treatment. Further research is needed to assess whether incorporating peer support specialists with MOUD experience into formal SUD treatment would expand MOUD utilization, retain patients in treatment, and/or improve OUD treatment outcomes.