History of Methadone and Buprenorphine Opioid Agonist Therapy Among People Who Died of an Accidental Opioid-Involved Overdose: Rhode Island, January 1, 2018-June 30, 2020.

Hallowell, Benjamin D; Weidele, Heidi R; Daly, Mackenzie; Chambers, Laura C; Scagos, Rachel P; Gargano, Lisa; McDonald, James · Am J Public Health · 2021

cross_sectional · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

To guide intervention efforts, we identified the proportion of individuals previously engaged in opioid agonist therapy among people who died of an accidental opioid-involved overdose. Most individuals (60.9%) had never received any prior buprenorphine or methadone treatment. Individuals who died of an overdose in 2020 had a similar demographic profile and treatment history compared with prior years. To prevent additional accidental opioid-involved overdose deaths, efforts should be directed toward linking individuals to care.

Medical subject headings