More doctors can prescribe a leading addiction treatment. Why aren't more people getting help?
It’s easier than ever for doctors to prescribe a key medicine for opioid addiction since the U.S. government lifted an obstacle last year. But despite the looser restrictions and the ongoing overdose crisis, a new study finds little change in the number of people taking the medication.
Researchers analyzed prescriptions filled by U.S. pharmacies for the treatment drug buprenorphine. The number of prescribers rose last year after doctors no longer needed to get a special waiver to prescribe the drug, while the number of patients filling prescriptions barely budged.
It may take more than one year to see a bigger increase in patients, said study co-author Dr. Kao-Ping Chua of the University of Michigan Medical School.
“There are so many other barriers to prescribing that we have to address,” said Chua.
The findings were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Related articles
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
I need your help. My friend K has been recently telling our friendship group about how dire his fina2024-05-21Luke Littler's Premier League darts rival Michael van Gerwen, 34, says the 17
An unfiltered Michael van Gerwen slammed Luke Littler once again after beating the teenager in the f2024-05-21Education Ministry workers on tenterhooks awaiting job cuts news
Education Ministry workers say they have been kept nervously waiting while leaders delay revealing t2024-05-21It's about to get more difficult for Americans to visit Brazil
Brazil is postponing its visa requirement for United States citizens - ones that require people to s2024-05-21NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point2024-05-21Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
The case was heard at a court in San Diego. Photo: Getty Images2024-05-21
atest comment