Improving Treatment for Opioid Dependence: A Perspective From the Ohio Valley Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network

Abstract

The Problem Rates of adoption of evidenced-based practices, including the use of medications, to treat opioid dependence are low and severely limit secondary prevention efforts to curtail the prescription drug epidemic. Purpose of Article The goal of this article is to describe how involvement in a research clinical trials network facilitated the adoption of medications to treat opioid dependence at two community-based treatment programs affiliated with the Ohio Valley Node of the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Clinical Trials Network. Key Points Participation in a clinical trials network may facilitate adoption by providing the infrastructure for trialability and observability, but the most critical function may be the knowledge translation that occurs through the individual-level professional relationships that develop. Conclusion Community-based treatment providers’ involvement in research networks may increase the rate of EBP adoption and improve outcomes for patients with opioid dependence.

Barriers to Implementation of Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs in Ohio

“…In order to formulate effective community-based responses to the opioid epidemic, communities need to be aware of strategies, such as OOPPs, that have been empirically demonstrated to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorders. 11,12,15,19 Our anecdotal experiences working in the area of overdose prevention in Ohio support findings from this survey regarding misconceptions about naloxone and fears about how it may be used and similar findings have been reported in other studies. 19,20 For example, one participant in this study reported that their local law enforcement officials were stating that people trade naloxone for heroin, which we suspect is unlikely given the relative street value of naloxone compared with heroin.…”

“…12 Ohio was one such state. Early in the opioid epidemic community groups in Ohio struggled to implement evidence-based strategies to respond to this public health crisis 13 and understanding the barriers may inform the development of future efforts. The purpose of this study was:…”

“…11 A 2010 national survey identified 188 OOPPs across the United States, although many of the states with the highest rates of drug overdose deaths did not report having a program. 12 Ohio was one such state. Early in the opioid epidemic, community groups in Ohio struggled to implement evidence-based strategies to respond to this public health crisis 13 and understanding the barriers may inform the development of future efforts.…”