Persistent barriers to treatment
The findings highlight persistent barriers to medication-based therapy for OUD, said Alan Leshner, PhD, chief executive officer emeritus of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a former director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Courtesy of Dr. Alan Leshner
Dr. Alan Leshner
“These kinds of data are critical to increase our understanding of the nature of the opioid epidemic and what to do about it,” Dr. Leshner said. “It’s particularly important to understand who does, and doesn’t, have access to lifesaving medications, but also where to focus efforts at working on the problem.”
In 2019, Dr. Leshner coauthored a report on the underutilization of medication to treat OUD. As previously reported by this news organization, that report argued that stigma, burdensome regulations, unfounded concerns about diversion of MOUDs, lack of insurance coverage, and inadequate professional training for health care providers, law enforcement, and criminal justice officials all acted as barriers that separate people with a medical disorder from desperately needed – and effective – treatment.
“The barriers are the same and have not been vigorously addressed,” Dr. Leshner said. However, recent moves by government leaders may signal a positive trend toward expanded treatment, he added.
Earlier this month, Dr. Leshner chaired a workshop on ways to improve access to methadone, one of the approved medications to treat OUD. Officials from SAMHSA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FDA participated, as did Rahul Gupta, MD, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the nation’s top drug policy official.
“I am optimistic that there may be a new commitment to working on this epidemic using a health-centered approach that takes into account the array of social issues that surround the problem, as well as the criminal justice issues,” Dr. Leshner said.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse grant. Dr. Mauro and Dr. Leshner reported no conflicts. Full disclosures are reported in the original article.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.