--- title: "New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment | CARMAhealth" description: "New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment Finds that Naltrexone is Harder to Access than Bupre…" canonical: https://carmahealth.com/blog/new-study-on-medication-assisted-opioid-treatment source: https://carmahealth.com/blog/new-study-on-medication-assisted-opioid-treatment mirror_of: carmahealth.com content_hash: sha256:083fd4280a2b322fdeaa66934f9252600d8d8a882e7c8c8ba0a5c097d225f502 generated_at: 2026-07-08T23:20:17.555Z robots: noindex, follow --- Blog # New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment November 16, 2017 · CARMAhealth [All Articles](/blog) (image: New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment) ## New Study on Medication-Assisted Opioid Treatment Finds that Naltrexone is Harder to Access than Buprenorphine Many in the addiction treatment community already know how hard it is for patients to start a naltrexone regimen. This reality has been codified in a recent first-of-its-kind study published in the [Lancet](http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736\(17\)32812-X/fulltext?elsca1=tlxpr). The study looked at 570 patients with opioid addiction at eight inpatient treatment centers across the country for 24 weeks. Half of the group was assigned to naltrexone and the other half to [buprenorphine](https://carmahealth.com/for-some-opioid-users-opioid-substitution-is-not-an-act-of-faith-its-an-act-of-courage/). Nearly a third of all participants slated for naltrexone treatment dropped out before therapy started compared to just six percent of those who were scheduled to start buprenorphine treatment. The study highlights a disparity in access that recovering addicts experience on a daily basis and can have very real implications for medication-assisted opioid treatment. The primary reason why many patients find it so hard to access naltrexone, commonly known as [Vivitrol](https://carmahealth.com/vivitrol-for-alcohol-use-disorder/) is the requirement that they first must undergo detox or abstain from using opioids for several days before starting the drug. Buprenorphine (Suboxone) allows patients to start medication-assisted opioid treatment right after their last cycle of use. The potential for diversion and abuse; however, is arguably much higher for buprenorphine drugs than it is for the once-per-month, slow-acting Vivitrol injection. Patients who ended up going on both drugs had basically equal success, which is an encouraging sign for both types of treatment medications. Stakeholders all across the addiction treatment conversation agree that, when applicable, medication-assisted [opioid](https://carmahealth.com/services/medication-assisted-therapy/) treatment combined with rehab and behavior modification are the best formula for treating the disease. It’s important to know which medications are the safest and easiest to access. While access continues to be a problem for naltrexone users, it may be a prime alternative to the documented rates of Suboxone abuse that we’ve seen since the drug was introduced to the clinical landscape in 2002. #### CARMAHEALTH TESTIMONIAL > This place was great for me my life has changed an I feel great now. Thanks Carma! **Joey Castillo** > Dr. Powell is amazing, as well as the staff. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. **Kate Penshorn** > Excellent mental health professionals in Austin!!! They truly care about their patients by offering first-class services!! **David B. Hutts** #### OPENING HOURS
Week Days8:00 – 5:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
#### Austin: [512-212-4670](tel:512-212-4670) #### Florida: [754-800-6301](tel:754-800-6301) #### [OUR MISSION](#b990917069b883c04) CARMAhealth adopts a collaborative model of care that blends primary care medicine and behavioral health. We adopt a pragmatic, risk informed approach to care. Our goal is to create a medical home through the life span for our patients, their family and our community. ## Make An Appointment ### Contact our friendly and knowledgeable representatives to schedule your appointment and learn more about what we can do for you. [SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT](https://carmahealth.com/contact-us/) Keep Reading ## Related Articles [ (image: Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug?) July 25, 2023 ### Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug? Ozempic: A Potential Anti-Addiction Drug? Ozempic is a semaglutide medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by… Learn more ](/blog/ozempic-a-potential-anti-addiction-drug)[ (image: Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications) July 2, 2023 ### Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications Brixadi vs. Other OUD Medications Brixadi is a new treatment option for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is an injectable form of… Learn more ](/blog/brixadi-vs-other-oud-medications)[ (image: Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder) July 2, 2023 ### Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder Brixadi: A New Treatment Option for Opioid Use Disorder Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic and potentially fatal condition that affect… Learn more ](/blog/brixadi-a-new-treatment-option-for-opioid-use-disorder) Take the First Step ## Start Feeling Like Yourself Again Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen. [Book an Appointment](/new-patients) [Call (512) 212-4670](tel:5122124670) Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available