Harm Reduction Agencies as a Potential Site for Buprenorphine Treatment.
BACKGROUND
Harm reduction agencies complement addiction treatment by providing diverse services that improve the health of people who use drugs. Buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) is an effective opioid addiction treatment that may be provided from flexible settings, potentially including harm reduction agencies. This study investigated attitudes toward different potential sites for BMT (harm reduction agencies, general medical clinics, and drug treatment programs) among harm reduction clients.


METHODS
Using computer-based interviews, participants indicated preferred potential site for BMT (harm reduction agency, drug treatment program, or general medical clinic), interest in BMT by potential site, motivation for treatment, and barriers to BMT. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with harm reduction agency preference.


RESULTS
Of 102 opioid users, the most preferred potential site for BMT was a harm reduction agency (51%), whereas fewer preferred general medical clinics (13%), drug treatment programs (12%), or were not interested in BMT (25%). In multivariable analysis, experiencing ≥1 barrier to BMT was strongly associated with preferring harm reduction agencies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-11.43).


CONCLUSIONS
The potential to initiate BMT at harm reduction agencies is highly favorable among harm reduction clients, especially among those experiencing barriers to BMT. Offering BMT at harm reduction agencies could improve access to treatment, but studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy of this approach.
['Fox|Aaron D|AD|', 'Chamberlain|Adam|A|', 'Frost|Taeko|T|', 'Cunningham|Chinazo O|CO|']
D000328:Adult D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities D000701:Analgesics, Opioid D002047:Buprenorphine D005260:Female D040261:Harm Reduction D006297:Health Services Accessibility D006307:Health Systems Agencies D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009042:Motivation D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders D057240:Patient Preference D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
harm reduction agencies buprenorphine opioid addiction Access to care