Learning objectives:

1. Analyze MAT and 12-step group therapy.
2. Describe Predictors for adherence and abstinence to treatment programs.
3. Evaluate treatment programs.
4. Describe criteria dx of opioid use disorder.
5. Presentation Handout.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to do a comparative analysis of the effects of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and 12-step group therapy on adherence and abstinence in adult patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The specific aims were (1) to compare treatment adherence and illicit opioid abstinence of adult OUD patients enrolled in MAT and adult OUD patients enrolled in 12-step group therapy at three months and six months after initiation of treatment, and (2) to compare treatment adherence and illicit opioid abstinence of adult OUD patients enrolled in MAT to the treatment adherence and illicit opioid abstinence of adult patients enrolled in 12-step group therapy after controlling for age, marital status and gender. Findings of the study indicate when comparing MAT to 12-step group therapy, there was not a significant difference in treatment adherence and illicit opioid abstinence in adult OUD patients at three and six months after initiation of treatment (χ2 (1) =0.00, p =0.990) and (χ2 (1) =0.459, p =0.498). Study findings indicate that female gender was a significant predictor of adherence to the treatment programs at both three and six months, (b= 1.41; p < 0.02) and (b= 2.52; p <0.003). Marital status and age were not significantly associated with adherence or abstinence. Considering the integration of a randomized controlled trial, longer periods to access for adherence and abstinence after treatment initiation, as well as exploring about patients perceptions, will be of assistance to improve the future direction of research associated with the OUD population.