Recorded presentation

Marilyn C. Daley, PhD¹, Dennis McCarty, PhD², Cindy Parks Thomas, PA, PhD¹, and Traci Rieckmann, PhD³. (1) Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Brandeis University, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, P.O. Box 9110, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, 781-736-3906, daley@brandeis.edu, (2) Department of Public Helath and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 SW Samuel Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201, (3) Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201-3098

The spread of HIV among intravenous drug users increases the need to develop new harm reduction approaches. Buprenorphine, a new replacement medication, was approved by the FDA in 2003 may represent an advantage over existing methadone therapy because it lasts longer and can be dispensed by physicians. Brandeis and Oregon Health & Sciences University surveyed 1,461 clients and counselors in residential, outpatient and methadone programs in Massachusetts and Oregon on their attitudes toward Buprenorphine. Using the Azjen-Fishbein Theory of Reasoned Action as a theoretical framework, multiple regression analysis was used to identify demographic, normative and attitudinal factors that predicted intentions to take Buprenorphine. Although 70% of counselors and 38% of the clients had heard of Buprenorphine, only 17% of clients and 5% of staff members had ever used it. About 40% of both groups rated the medication favorably, but only a third reported that they intended to use Buprenorphine in the future. Support for Buprenorphine was highest in outpatient clinics followed by methadone and lowest in residential programs. The dominant philosophy in residential programs is to promote abstinence while methadone programs may see Buprenorphine as a threat. In multiple regression, norms (social influences) were more important predictors of intentions than attitudes, beliefs or personal characteristics, confirming the importance of peer relationships in treatment settings. Counselors, black respondents and respondents with more education were more receptive to Buprenorphine. Findings will be used to develop education messages to make providers more receptive to effective new medications

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants should be able to

(
• identify different types of treatment for heroin addiction; (
• discuss the advantages of Buprenorphine as a replacement medication (over Methadone) (
• describe why some treatment programs resist the use of Buprenorphine as an adjunct to treatment

Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Intravenous Drug Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation