A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that despite looser restrictions, there has been little change in the number of people taking medication for opioid addiction. Researchers analyzed prescriptions filled for the treatment drug buprenorphine and found that while the number of prescribers has increased since the waiver was eliminated, the number of patients filling prescriptions has barely changed.
Barriers to prescribing buprenorphine include insurance hurdles, price, pharmacy availability, and stigma surrounding addiction. Some patients may also be hesitant to try buprenorphine due to beliefs about recovery or fear of withdrawal symptoms.
The government is being urged to encourage hospitals and health systems to provide more treatment for opioid addiction. While more doctors are prescribing buprenorphine, the overall medical profession needs to catch up in order to address the ongoing opioid crisis.
The study was conducted with the support of the AP Health and Science Department, which receives funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The AP is solely responsible for all content related to this study.
