Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Utilization Among Oxford House Residents

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Recovery Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and recovery homes are vital for treating opioid use disorder (OUD).
• Limited understanding exists regarding the suitability of traditional recovery homes for individuals using MOUD.
• Factors influencing attitudes toward MOUD within mixed-residency recovery homes require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine characteristics of individuals using MOUD in recovery homes.
• To assess attitudes toward MOUD utilization among residents in mixed MOUD and non-MOUD recovery homes (Oxford Houses).
• To explore the relationship between recovery home composition and residents' attitudes toward MOUD.

Main Methods:

• Survey of residents in U.S. Oxford Houses (recovery homes).
• Analysis of resident characteristics, including drug history and MOUD utilization.
• Comparison of attitudes toward MOUD based on co-residency with MOUD users.

Main Results:

• Residents living with MOUD users reported more favorable attitudes toward MOUD, particularly those whose primary drug of choice was heroin or opioids.
• No significant differences were found in abstinence rates, 12-step group involvement, or prior MOUD treatment between MOUD and non-MOUD residents.
• Favorable attitudes toward MOUD among co-residents positively influenced individual attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Recovery homes like Oxford Houses can be beneficial for individuals using MOUD.
• Positive attitudes toward MOUD within a recovery home, especially among co-residents, enhance benefits for MOUD users.
• Tailoring recovery environments to foster positive MOUD perceptions may improve treatment outcomes.