Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Within-subject evaluation of interim buprenorphine treatment during waitlist delays
Tatum N Oleskowicz1, Taylor A Ochalek1, Kelly R Peck2
1Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA; Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT, 05401, USA.
Background:
The effectiveness of opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is well established, and delays to treatment are still common, particularly in rural geographic areas. In a randomized 12-week pilot study, we demonstrated initial efficacy of a technology-assisted Interim Buprenorphine Treatment (IBT) vs. continued waitlist control (WLC) for reducing illicit opioid use and other risk behaviors during waitlist delays. Upon completion of that parent trial, WLC participants were given the opportunity to receive 12 weeks of IBT, permitting an additional within-subject examination of IBT effects.
Methods:
Sixteen WLC participants crossed over to receive IBT, involving buprenorphine maintenance with bi-monthly visits, medication administration at home via a computerized device, daily monitoring calls using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone system, and IVR-generated random call-backs. Biochemically-verified illicit opioid abstinence, changes in psychosocial functioning, and HIV + HCV knowledge were examined among participants originally randomized to the WLC phase and who subsequently crossed over to IBT (IBTc).
Results:
Participants submitted a higher percentage of illicit opioid negative specimens at Weeks 4, 8, and 12 during IBT (75 %, 63 %, and 50 %) vs. WLC (0%, 0%, and 0%), respectively (p's<.01). Participants also demonstrated improvements in anxiety, depression, and HIV and HCV knowledge (p's<.01). Medication administration, daily IVR call and random call-back adherence and treatment satisfaction were also favorable.
Conclusions:
This within-subject evaluation provides additional support for interim buprenorphine's efficacy in reducing illicit opioid use and improving health outcomes during waitlist delays for more comprehensive treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Blind Procedures
Bioequivalence studies: Biowaivers
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

