306707
Buprenorphine and Therapy for Treating Opioid Dependence in Prison
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Methods: Prior studies on buprenorphine treatment and substance abuse treatment in prison were synthesized. Data from published trials was then used to estimate the costs and benefits of buprenorphine therapy for prison inmates in the United States.
Results: Few studies have examined the efficacy of buprenorphine for prison inmates. Preliminary results show that buprenorphine may effectively decrease opioid relapse rates and is well-tolerated and feasible for implementation in prisons. Although the initial cost of adopting buprenorphine may be relatively high, reductions in criminal justice related costs and criminal activity could save money in the long term.
Conclusions: Based on preliminary efficacy and cost-effectiveness research, prison administration should consider the implementation of buprenorphine for opioid-dependent prison inmates.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelinesPublic health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate the costs and benefits of potential treatment solutions for opioid-dependence among prison inmates, and make evidence-based recommendations to prison administration.
Keyword(s): Drug Abuse Treatment
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a graduate student at the Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice and work at the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center. Over the past few years I have worked on several grants studying addiction treatment, including some research studying opioid dependence. Several of my co-authors have had experience with buprenorphine treatment in a clinical setting, so this project melds their clinical knowledge with my research experience.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.