American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Lead: The association between buprenorphine doses above 16 milligrams and treatment retention in a multi-payer national sample in the United States, 2014 to 2021

Lead: The association between buprenorphine doses above 16 milligrams and treatment retention in a multi-payer national sample in the United States, 2014 to 2021

Tuesday 11th March 2025

Explore how higher buprenorphine doses improve treatment retention and the latest findings in addiction medicine in this insightful episode.
7 minutes
Informative
Educational
Supportive
Honest
Eye-opening

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Buprenorphine Doses: How Higher Levels Improve Treatment Retention

Episode Overview

  • Higher doses of buprenorphine improve treatment retention.
  • A Delphi study aims to standardise opioid maintenance outcomes.
  • Significant treatment gaps exist across race, age, and sex.
  • R-ketamine shows promise in reducing alcohol relapse.
  • Frequent cannabis use during pregnancy increases hypertension risk.
Higher doses of buprenorphine were consistently linked to better retention rates in treatment.
In this episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM', the focus is on a groundbreaking study examining the relationship between buprenorphine doses above 16 milligrams and treatment retention. The research highlights that higher doses, specifically 24, 32, and 40 mg, are associated with better retention rates compared to the standard 16 mg dose. This is particularly relevant in the current era of fentanyl prevalence.
The episode delves into the nuances of this study, presenting compelling evidence that could influence future treatment guidelines and policies. Listeners will also hear about a Delphi study that aims to create consensus on user-reported outcomes for opioid maintenance treatment, involving a diverse group of experts and individuals with lived experiences from 29 countries. Another key discussion point is the inequities in buprenorphine treatment across different demographics, including race, age, and sex, revealing significant gaps in treatment initiation and retention.
The episode also covers fascinating research on R-ketamine's potential to reduce alcohol relapse, with notable sex-dependent effects. Additionally, there's an exploration of the impact of cannabis use during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders, highlighting the risks associated with frequent use. Lastly, the episode addresses the alarming rise in youth exposed to parental substance use disorders under the new DSM-V criteria and discusses recent trends in drug overdose mortality rates.
With its mix of cutting-edge research and practical insights, this episode offers valuable information for anyone interested in addiction medicine.