Identifying and reducing disparities in successful addiction treatment completion: testing the role of Medicaid payment acceptance

Understanding the role of financial capacity in the delivery of opioid use disorder treatment

Opioid treatment programs must have adequate financial capacity to sustain operations and deliver a high standard of care for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. However, there is limited consistency in the health services literature about the concept and relationship of organizational financial capacity and key outcome measures (wait time and retention). In this study, we explored five common measures of financial capacity that can be applied to opioid treatment programs: (a) reserve ratio, (b) equity ratio, (c) markup, (d) revenue growth, and (e) earned revenue. We used these measures to compare financial capacity among 135 opioid treatment programs across four data collection points: 2011 (66 programs), 2013 (77 programs), 2015 (75 programs), and 2017 (69 programs). We examined the relationship between financial capacity and wait time and retention. Findings from the literature review show inconsistencies in the definition and application of concepts associated with financial capacity across business and social service delivery fields. The analysis shows significant differences in components of financial capacity across years. We observed an increase in average earned revenue and markup in 2017 compared to prior years. The interaction between minorities and markup was significantly associated with higher likelihood of waiting (IRR = 1.077, p < .05). Earned revenue (IRR = 0.225, p < .05) was related to shorter wait time in treatment. The interaction between minorities and equity ratio is also significantly associated with retention (IRR = 0.796, p < .05). Our study offers a baseline view of the role of financial capacity in opioid treatment and suggests a framework to determine its effect on client-centered outcomes.

Workforce Diversity and disparities in wait time and retention among opioid treatment programs

BACKGROUND

Workforce diversity is a key strategy to improve treatment engagement among members of racial and ethnic minority groups. In this study, we seek to determine whether workforce diversity plays a role in reducing racial and ethnic differences in wait time to treatment entry and retention in different types of opioid use disorder treatment programs.

METHODS

We conducted comparative and predictive analysis in a subsample of outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs), who completed access and retention survey questions in four waves of the National Drug Abuse Treatment System Survey (162 OTPs in 2000, 173 OTPs in 2005, 282 OTPs in 2014, and 300 OTPs in 2017). We sought to assess the associations between workforce diversity on wait time and retention, accounting for the role of Medicaid expansion and the moderating role of program ownership type (i.e., public, non-profit, for-profit) among OTPs located across the United States.

RESULTS

We found significant differences in wait time to treatment entry and retention in treatment across waves. Average number of waiting days decreased in 2014 and 2017; post Medicaid expansion per the Affordable Care Act, while retention rates varied across years. Key findings show that programs with high diversity, measured by higher percent of African American staff and a higher percent of African American clients, were associated with longer wait times to enter treatment, compared to low diversity programs. Programs with higher percent of Latino staff and a higher percent of Latino clients were associated with lower retention in treatment compared with low diversity programs. However, program ownership type (public, non-profit and for-profit) played a moderating role. Public programs with higher percent of African American staff were associated with lower wait time, while non-profit programs with higher percent of Latino staff were related to higher retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show decreases in wait time over the years with significant variation in retention during the same period. Concordance in high workforce and client diversity was associated with higher wait time and lower retention. But these relations inverted (low wait time and high retention) in public and non-profit programs with high staff diversity. Findings have implications for building resources and service capacity among OTPs that serve a higher proportion of minority clients.

Psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk among a cohort of Black individuals with Opioid Use Disorder

Background and aims

There is growing evidence that psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic substance, may be useful in the treatment of substance use disorders. However, there is a lack of data on the beliefs and attitudes towards psilocybin amongst Black individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This study characterized psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk amongst a cohort of Black individuals diagnosed with OUD.

Methods

Using a convenience sampling approach, patients were recruited from an urban methadone treatment program and paid five dollars to complete an anonymous phone-based survey.

Results

Twenty-eight patients participated (mean age 53.8; N = 28; 35.7% female). Most (N = 23; 82.1%) had "heard of" psilocybin mushrooms before taking the survey, but only five (N = 5; 17.8%) had ever used them. More than 80% perceived a risk or were "unsure" of the risk for sixteen of the seventeen items queried about psilocybin. Approximately half (N = 15; 53.6%) were willing to try therapy incorporating psilocybin and half (N = 14; 50%) said they would be more likely to try if it were FDA approved for OUD. Most (N = 18; 64.3%) preferred to stay on methadone treatment alone, 32.1% (N = 9) wanted to try treatment with both psilocybin and methadone, and only one participant opted for psilocybin treatment without methadone.

Conclusion

Many Black individuals with Opioid Use Disorder perceive psilocybin as dangerous and may be hesitant to try psilocybin treatment. Culturally informed treatment models, educational interventions and community outreach programs should be developed to increase racial/ethnic minority representation in psilocybin research and treatment.

Associations of tobacco cigarette use and dependence with substance use disorder treatment completion by sex/gender and race/ethnicity

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are approximately five times more likely to smoke cigarettes than the general population. Individuals who smoke cigarettes have greater odds of SUD relapse compared to individuals who do not smoke cigarettes, but we know little about how cigarette use is related to SUD treatment completion overall by sex/gender or race/ethnicity.

METHODS

This study examined 2855 adults (71.98 % male; >70 % racial/ethnic minority) in outpatient and residential SUD treatment at a New York-based treatment agency over a six-month period in 2018.

RESULTS

Overall, approximately three-fourths of SUD treatment-seeking participants smoked cigarettes, with high rates across sex/gender and racial/ethnic groups. Nicotine dependence did not differ by sex/gender, and White Non-Hispanic adults had the highest levels of nicotine dependence across racial/ethnic groups. Those who smoked cigarettes were significantly less likely to complete treatment compared to those who did not smoke cigarettes (OR = 0.69; 95 % CI: 0.58, 0.82). The study found no overall differences in SUD treatment completion and length of stay by sex/gender or race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high prevalence of cigarette smoking and lower odds of completing SUD treatment, the current system of care for SUD treatment may be enhanced by addressing cigarette smoking from onset of treatment.

Effects of Medicaid expansion on alcohol and opioid treatment admissions in U.S. racial/ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

Excessive drinking and opioid misuse exact a high toll on U.S. lives and differentially affect U.S. racial/ethnic groups in exposure and resultant harms. Increasing access to specialty treatment is an important policy strategy to mitigate this, particularly for lower-income and racial/ethnic minority persons who face distinctive barriers to care. We examined whether the U.S. Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion improved treatment utilization in the overall population and for Black, Latino, and White Americans separately.

METHODS

We analyzed total and Medicaid-insured alcohol and opioid treatment admissions per 10,000 adult, state residents using 2010-2016 data from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set (N = 20 states), with difference-in-difference models accounting for state fixed effects and time-varying state demographic characteristics, treatment need, and treatment supply.

RESULTS

Total treatment admission rates in the overall population declined for alcohol and remained roughly flat for opioids in both expansion and non-expansion states from 2010 through 2016. By contrast, estimated Medicaid-insured alcohol and opioid treatment rates rose in expansion states and decreased in non-expansion states following Medicaid expansion in 2014. The latter results were found for alcohol treatment in the total population and in each racial/ethnic group, as well as for Black and White Americans for opioid treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansion was associated with greater specialty treatment entry at a time when alcohol and opioid treatment rates were declining or flat. Findings underscore benefits of expanding Medicaid eligibility to increase treatment utilization for diverse racial/ethnic groups, but also suggest an emerging treatment disparity between lower-income Americans in expansion and non-expansion states.

Using machine learning to advance disparities research: Subgroup analyses of access to opioid treatment

Objective

To operationalize an intersectionality framework using a novel statistical approach and with these efforts, improve the estimation of disparities in access (i.e., wait time to treatment entry) to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment beyond race.

Data source

Sample of 941,286 treatment episodes collected in 2015–2017 in the United States from the Treatment Episodes Data Survey (TEDS‐A) and a subset from California (n = 188,637) and Maryland (n = 184,276), states with the largest sample of episodes.

Study design

This retrospective subgroup analysis used a two‐step approach called virtual twins. In Step 1, we trained a classification model that gives the probability of waiting (1 day or more). In Step 2, we identified subgroups with a higher probability of differences due to race. We tested three classification models for Step 1 and identified the model with the best estimation.

Data collection

Client data were collected by states during personal interviews at admission and discharge.

Principal findings

Random forest was the most accurate model for the first step of subgroup analysis. We found large variation across states in racial disparities. Stratified analysis of two states with the largest samples showed critical factors that augmented disparities beyond race. In California, factors such as service setting, referral source, and homelessness defined the subgroup most vulnerable to racial disparities. In Maryland, service setting, prior episodes, receipt of medication‐assisted opioid treatment, and primary drug use frequency augmented disparities beyond race. The identified subgroups had significantly larger racial disparities.

Conclusions

The methodology used in this study enabled a nuanced understanding of the complexities in disparities research. We found state and service factors that intersected with race and augmented disparities in wait time. Findings can help decision makers target modifiable factors that make subgroups vulnerable to waiting longer to enter treatment.

Social vulnerabilities for substance use: Stressors, socially toxic environments, and discrimination and racism

Applying a social determinants of health framework, this review brings attention to evidence from social sciences and neuroscience on the role of selected social factors in individual and population-level vulnerability to substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs). The understanding that social vulnerability to substance use and SUDs is multifaceted and occurs across different levels of influence (individual, interpersonal, community, and societal) is underscored. We propose that socially based stressors play a critical role in creating vulnerability to substance use and SUDs, and as such, deserve greater empirical attention to further understand how they "get under the skin." Current knowledge from social sciences and neuroscience on the relationships among vulnerability to substance use resulting from stressors, exposure to socially toxic childhood environments, and racism and discrimination are summarized and discussed, as are implications for future research, practice, and policy. Specifically, we propose using a top-down approach to the examination of known, yet often unexplored, relationships between vulnerability to substance use and SUDs, related inequities, and potential differential effects across demographic groups. Finally, research gaps and promising areas of research, practice, and policy focused on ameliorating social vulnerabilities associated with substance use and SUDs across the lifespan are presented. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.

La Cultura Cura: Latino Culture, Shared Experiences, and Recovery in Northern Californian Anexos

This article examines the anexo's use of Latino culture and shared experiences to promote recovery and its appeal to 1.5- and second-generation Latinos. Anexos are grassroots recovery groups with origins in Mexico that offer a residential Alcoholics Anonymous program in Latino communities. Data were gathered from a two-year (2014-2016) ethnographic study of anexos in Northern California and were analyzed thematically. Despite having access to publicly funded treatment, many 1.5- and second-generation Latinos accessed anexos based on cultural familiarity, shared experiences, and a desire to recuperate cultural practices lost during their substance use.

Healthcare utilization of individuals with substance use disorders following Affordable Care Act implementation in a California healthcare system

BACKGROUND

Practitioners expected the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to increase availability of health services and access to treatment for Americans with substance use disorders (SUDs). Yet research has not examined the associations among ACA enrollment mechanisms, deductibles, and the use of SUD treatment and other healthcare services. Understanding these relationships can inform future healthcare policy.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of patients with SUDs newly enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health system in 2014 (N = 6957). Analyses examined the likelihood of service utilization (primary care, specialty SUD treatment, psychiatry, inpatient, and emergency department [ED]) over three years after SUD diagnosis, and associations with enrollment mechanisms (ACA Exchange vs. other), deductibles (none, $1-$999 [low] and ≥$1000 [high]), membership duration, psychiatric comorbidity, and demographic characteristics. We also evaluated whether the enrollment mechanism moderated the associations between deductible limits and utilization likelihood.

RESULTS

Service utilization was highest in the 6 months after SUD diagnosis, decreased in the following 6 months, and remained stable in years 2-3. Relative to patients with no deductible, those with a high deductible had lower odds of using all health services except SUD treatment; associations with primary care and psychiatry were strongly negative among Exchange enrollees. Among non-Exchange enrollees, patients with deductibles were more likely than those without deductibles to receive SUD treatment. Exchange enrollment compared to other mechanisms was associated with less ED use. Psychiatric comorbidity was associated with greater use of all services. Nonwhite patients were less likely to initiate SUD and psychiatry treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher deductibles generally were associated with use of fewer health services, especially in combination with enrollment through the Exchange. The role of insurance factors, psychiatric comorbidity and race/ethnicity in health services for people with SUDs are important to consider as health policy evolves.

Factors Contributing to Substance Misuse Treatment Completion among Native Hawaiians, Other Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans

Background: Research on substance abuse treatment completion (SATC) among Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPIs) is extremely limited despite growing concern of SA among these groups. Objectives: This study examined predictors of SATC among and within Asian, NHOPI, and White racial groups. Methods: 129,939 cases from the SA and Mental Health Services, Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharges-2016 were used in this study. Logistic regressions were employed to examine the differential impact of race on SATC and to investigate the moderating effect of race on the relationship between socioeconomic factors, type of substance used, and type of treatment setting on SATC. Results: NHOPIs were less likely to complete SA treatment than Whites. Within-group analysis indicated that NHOPIs who were in outpatient non-intensive treatment were more likely to complete treatment compared to ones in inpatient (more than 30 days), and outpatient intensive settings. In contrast, Asians and Whites in outpatient non-intensive treatment settings were less likely to complete compared to all other types of treatment settings. Older adults for Whites were more likely to complete treatment compared with younger adults. Age was not a significant predictor of SATC for Asians and NHOPIs. Asian and NHOPI methamphetamine users were less likely to complete treatment compared with White users. Conclusion/Importance: Findings highlight the importance of disaggregating Asians and NHOPIs in future SA studies to better understand how specific factors are relevant to each group, and to guide the development of cultural and race-informed treatments for these groups.

Treatment Retention Satisfaction, and Therapeutic Progress for Justice-Involved Individuals Referred to Community-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment

Background: Limited research has examined factors associated with medication-assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals. Objectives: The current study used a mixed-method design to examine the influence of client- and counselor-level factors on 90-day treatment retention, satisfaction, and progress for justice-involved individuals referred to medication-assisted treatment. Methods: The effects of co-occurring disorders (i.e., psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, depression), social functioning (i.e., social support, self-esteem), substance use severity, and treatment motivation on treatment retention, treatment satisfaction, and treatment progress while controlling for counselor-level variance were assessed through multilevel modeling. Results: Fewer co-occurring disorders and more social support were related to greater treatment satisfaction and progress. A higher level of treatment motivation was associated with greater treatment progress. Mediation of treatment satisfaction on the relationship between client-level factors and treatment progress also was tested. Depression was negatively associated with treatment satisfaction, which in turn led to lower ratings of treatment progress. Social support was positively correlated with treatment satisfaction, which in turn was positively correlated with treatment progress. The association of client substance use severity with treatment retention differed between counselors, so did the association of co-occurring disorders and treatment motivation with treatment satisfaction. Qualitative analyses that were derived from counselors' perception of factors relating to recovery success underscored the importance of integrated interventions, social support, treatment motivation, and therapeutic alliance, and their associations with treatment outcomes. Conclusions/Importance: The current findings highlight the importance of integrated treatment services, collaborating with community corrections, and teaching clients strategies for dealing with deviant peers as to facilitating recovery.

Treatment outcome disparities for opioid users: Are there racial and ethnic differences in treatment completion across large US metropolitan areas?

BACKGROUND

The present study examined racial/ethnic disparities in initial treatment episode completion for adult clients reporting opioids as their primary problem substance in large US metropolitan areas.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the 2013 TEDS-D dataset (Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharge) for the 42 largest US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Fixed effects logistic regression controlling for MSA was used to estimate the effect of race/ethnicity on the likelihood of treatment completion. The model was repeated for each individual MSA in a stratified design to compare the geographic variation in racial/ethnic disparities, controlling for gender, age, education, employment, living arrangement, treatment setting, medication-assisted treatment, referral source, route of administration, and number of substances used at admission.

RESULTS

Only 28% of clients completed treatment, and the results from the fixed effects model indicate that blacks and Hispanics are less likely to complete treatment compared to whites. However, the stratified analysis of individual MSAs found only three of the 42 MSAs had racial/ethnic disparities in treatment completion, with the New York City (NYC) MSA largely responsible for the disparities in the combined sample. Supplementary analyses suggest that there are greater differences between whites and minority clients in the NYC MSA vs. other cities on characteristics associated with treatment completion (e.g., residential treatment setting).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the need for improving treatment retention for all opioid using clients in large metropolitan areas in the US, particularly for minority clients in those localities where disparities exist, and for better understanding the geographic context for treatment outcomes.

Substance abuse treatment engagement, completion and short-term outcomes in the Western Cape province, South Africa: Findings from the Service Quality Measures Initiative

BACKGROUND

Optimizing the effectiveness of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is critical in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited opportunities for SUD treatment. This is the first study to identify targets for interventions to improve the quality of SUD treatment in a LMIC.

METHOD

We explored correlates of three indicators of treatment quality (treatment engagement, completion and abstinence at treatment exit) using data from a SUD performance measurement system implemented in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The sample included data from 1094 adult treatment episodes representing 53% of the treatment episodes in 2016. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, we modeled socio-demographic, substance use and program correlates of treatment engagement, completion, and abstinence at treatment exit.

RESULTS

Overall, 59% of patients completed treatment (48% of patients from outpatient services). Treatment completion was associated with greater likelihood of abstinence at treatment exit. Patients were more likely to complete treatment if they engaged in treatment, were older, and had more severe drug problems (characterized by daily drug use and heroin problems) and attended programs of shorter duration. Residential treatment was associated with greater likelihood of treatment engagement, completion, and abstinence at treatment exit.

CONCLUSION

Improving rates of outpatient treatment completion will enhance the effectiveness of South Africa's SUD treatment system. Interventions that promote engagement in treatment, particularly among younger patients; reduce program length through referral to step-down continuing care; and ensure better matching of drug problem to treatment level and type could improve rates of treatment completion.