Buprenorphine Treatment Intake and Critical Encounters following a Nonfatal Opioid Overdose

Individuals with prior opioid-related overdose events have an increased risk for opioid-related mortality. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist that has shown to be an effective medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Yet, few studies have investigated whether buprenorphine reduces the risk of opioid-related mortality following a nonfatal opioid-related overdose.

A retrospective study was conducted on all overdose cases in Indiana between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Data were linked from multiple administrative sources. Cases were linked to vital records to assess mortality. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess group differences between survivors and decedents. A series of multiple logistic regression models were used to determine main and interaction effects of opioid-related mortality.

Among the 10,195 nonfatal overdoses, 2.4% (247) resulted in a subsequent fatal overdose. Overdose decedents were on average 36.4 years-old, 66.8% male, 91.1% White, and 83.8% did not receive a buprenorphine dispensation. Incremental increases in the number of buprenorphine dispensations decreased the likelihood of fatal overdose by 94% (95% CI = 0.88-0.98, p = .001). Incremental increases in arrest encounters were found to significantly increase the likelihood of a fatal overdose (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.13-3.55). Arrest encounters were a significant moderator of the relationship between buprenorphine uptake effectiveness and drug-related mortality.

Analysis of linked data provided details of risk and protective factors of fatal overdose. Buprenorphine reduced the risk of death; however, criminal justice involvement remains an area of attention for diversion and overdose death prevention interventions.