Background: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce overdose risks among correctional populations, but daily dosing requirements hinder treatment continuity post-release. Extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) may offer a more effective alternative.
Objectives: This systematic review examined the feasibility and effectiveness of XR-BUP in correctional settings.
Methods: Ten studies (n = 819 individuals, 81.6% male) were analyzed from PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO. Outcomes included feasibility, effectiveness, and barriers/facilitators.
Results: XR-BUP was feasible and safe, with no diversion, overdoses, or deaths, and was associated with reduced drug use, higher treatment retention, fewer reincarcerations, and lower costs. Correctional populations were twice as likely to try XR-BUP compared to non-correctional populations. Barriers (e.g., side effects, fear of needles) and facilitators (e.g., reduced relapse risk) were identified.
Conclusion: XR-BUP is a promising treatment option for correctional populations, with the potential to reduce post-release risks. Efforts to expand access are warranted.
Presenter
|Research ManagerOntario Node, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM)
Complex Needs