Perspectives Regarding Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Individuals with Mental Illness

Bibliographic Data

ID8908779
AuthorsDerjung M Tarn (0000-0001-7426-6387, University of California, Los Angeles, corresponding author), Kevin J Shih (University of California, Los Angeles), Allison J Ober (0000-0001-9333-0225, RAND Corporation), Sarah B Hunter (0000-0002-7073-227X, RAND Corporation), Katherine E Watkins (0009-0005-7573-5292, RAND Corporation), Jeremy Martinez (Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health), Alanna Montero (University of California, Los Angeles), Michael McCreary (0000-0001-6709-5129, University of California, Los Angeles), Isabel Leamon (RAND Corporation), John Sheehe (Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health), E Bromley (0000-0002-2256-7214, University of California, Los Angeles)
Year2022
Volume59
Issue2
Pages345-356
Publication date2022-07-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunity Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0010-3853 • E-ISSN: 1573-2789
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s10597-022-01012-x
PMID35906435
OpenAlexW4288715342
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

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

Mental health · Mental illness · Methadone · Methadone maintenance · Opioid · Opioid use disorder · Psychiatry · Medicine · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Schizophrenia research and treatment · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes