Differences in Buprenorphine Treatment: Urban vs. Rural

New research shows that treatment with buprenorphine, a medication for opioid addiction, differs between urban and rural areas. From 2019 to 2021, buprenorphine dispensing rates increased, but later decreased. Rural areas had higher dispensing rates compared to urban ones. In addition, patients starting treatment and staying in it both decreased over time, with rural patients doing somewhat better than urban ones. The study highlights the need for better access to buprenorphine prescriptions, particularly in rural areas, and suggests that emergency departments could offer more support for patients. Improving pharmacy availability could also help boost treatment rates for patients seeking help.