title: Opioid Addiction Treatment Using Buprenorphine-Naloxone In A Community-Based Internal Medicine Practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Opioid dependency currently affects over 2.5 million patients in the United States and is increasing in incidence. Office-based opioid therapy with buprenorphine-naloxone provides greater patient access to treatment and has significantly improved therapeutic outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a study of 100 consecutive patients treated for opioid dependence with buprenorphine-naloxone in a single provider's community-based internal medicine practice. The primary outcome measures were retention in therapy, wellness, and abstinence from ongoing drug use. Data were obtained from frequent physical examinations, self-report data, and periodic urine drug screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The retention rate in therapy was 75%. A multidimensional evaluation of wellness improved in 75% of the patients. Eighty-five percent reported no opiate relapse during therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Office-based opioid therapy with buprenorphine-naloxone has provided greater access to therapy with improved therapeutic outcomes. Our findings support the mounting literature that more patients should be offered office-based opioid therapy for opioid dependency.
authors.forename: Bryan A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Van Doren
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Foulks-Rodriguez
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yarborough
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069479:Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination; D003153:Community Health Services; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009825:Oklahoma; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000069479:Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone; D002047:Buprenorphine