Perspectives Regarding Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Individuals with Mental Illness
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Derjung M. Tarn; Kevin J. Shih; Allison J. Ober; Sarah B. Hunter; Katherine E. Watkins; Jeremy Martinez; Alanna Montero; Michael McCreary; Isabel Leamon; John Sheehe; Elizabeth Bromley
- Source
- Community mental health journal, vol 59, iss 2
- Subject
- Adult
Health (social science)
Clinical Sciences
8.1 Organisation and delivery of services
Opioid
Mental disorders
7.1 Individual care needs
Clinical Research
Qualitative research
Behavioral and Social Science
Opiate Substitution Treatment
Opioid use disorders
Humans
Psychology
Buprenorphine-naloxone drug combination
Psychiatry
Analgesics
Opioid-related disorders
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions
Serious Mental Illness
Buprenorphine
Brain Disorders
Psychiatry and Mental health
Mental Health
Good Health and Well Being
6.1 Pharmaceuticals
Narcotic antagonists
Management of diseases and conditions
Methadone
Health and social care services research
- Language
Most people with co-occurring opioid use disorder (OUD) and mental illness do not receive effective medications for treating OUD. To investigate perspectives of adults in a publicly-funded mental health system regarding medications for OUD (MOUD), we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 13 adults with OUD (current or previous diagnosis) receiving mental health treatment. Themes that emerged included: perceiving or using MOUDs as a substitute for opioids or a temporary solution to prevent withdrawal symptoms; negative perceptions about methadone/methadone clinics; and viewing MOUD use as “cheating”. Readiness to quit was important for patients to consider MOUDs. All participants were receptive to discussing MOUDs with their mental health providers and welcomed the convenience of receiving care for their mental health and OUD at the same location. In conclusion, clients at publicly-funded mental health clinics support MOUD treatment, signaling a need to expand access and build awareness of MOUDs in these settings.