Suboxone for Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence

Abstract

Specific Aims: To show that Suboxone is more effective than no MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) in opioid dependence. Additionally, that Suboxone is as effective as methadone in MAT. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of probationer’s case files at The Pima County Adult Probation Office. Treatment groups included: Suboxone (n=16), methadone (n=15), and no MAT control group (n=15). The total sample size was 46 probationers. The primary dependent variables were the number of negative events and time to a negative event (i.e. missed/positive urinalysis, violation of terms of probation). The secondary outcome variables were the number of positive events and time to a positive event (i.e. finding employment, documented social/family improvement). Data analysis utilized chi-square for categorical data while t-tests were used for continuous data. Main Results: 46 probationers of Pima County with violations related to possession or use of an opioid substance were analyzed. No significant differences were found between Suboxone and placebo (no MAT) for any of the four outcomes (number of negative events p=0.82; time to first negative event p=0.41; number of positive events p=0.93; time to first positive event p=0.45). No significant differences were found between Suboxone and methadone as well (number of negative events p=0.34; time to first negative event p=0.52; number of positive events p=0.93; time to first positive event p=0.56). Conclusion: This study found no statistically significant differences between no MAT and Suboxone nor Suboxone and methadone. Differences in baseline characteristics between groups were found that could characterize the Suboxone group as being more severely ill.