New ADAI Report: Syringe Services Program Participants’ Perceptions, Concerns, and Experiences of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

Medications like methadone and buprenorphine can be a powerful tool for people with opioid use disorder, but access and experiences vary.

This new ADAI report, written by Teresa Winstead, PhD, MA, and Alison Newman, MPH (both of the Center for Community-Engaged Drug Education, Epidemiology & Research) shares what 18 syringe services program participants said about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including:

• How these medications helped reduce fentanyl use, ease cravings, and improve daily stability
• Barriers to care, like perceived program requirements, transportation challenges, and life stress
• The importance of respectful, non-judgmental providers and supportive relationships
• Gaps in awareness about newer, more flexible treatment options

The report ends with recommendations for providers to help them better provide low-barrier and patient-centered MOUD care with more treatment options and supportive and educational services.

Read the full report here!