Oregon researchers find telehealth could eliminate barriers for addiction services

Some respondents said virtual visits help reduce the stigma of substance abuse disorders.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon researchers have found that telehealth appointments could be a more effective tool in treating addiction and battling the opioid epidemic.

According to a study recently published in the Harm Reduction Journal, some people who struggle with addiction feel that telehealth services offer more autonomy than in-person appointments. Co-authors also said online appointments have the potential to reduce the stigma around substance abuse.

Oregon Health and Science University researchers interviewed 30 people who had at least one virtual appointment between March 2020 and December 2021 — when telehealth had become more common due to federal regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who contributed to the study had also been prescribed buprenorphine, a medication often used for addiction treatment, for a reason other than chronic pain.

Several respondents told researchers they were concerned with the risk of running into someone they know during in-person appointments.

“I was connected to pretty important people for what I was doing.…I just didn’t wanna run into anyone in there, that was a stigma to me,” one participant said.

“I dread going to their office and being in their waiting room….People are…just nosy….Sometimes you have to run into somebody, and they’re like, ‘What are you here for?’” another participant added.

OHSU researchers discovered that the prominence of telehealth has the potential to improve access to appointments and patient retention, while dropping overdose rates among those who received treatment.

Some other respondents, especially those who reside in “congregant settings where others might see or hear their virtual visit," said they prefer in-person services.

Researchers also said there are patients on both sides who fear they will be judged by service providers, and there is more analysis to be done on how clinicians contribute to stigmas surrounding substance use disorders.

Participants were 40.5 years old on average. About 77% were white, and 33% reported they had experienced homelessness in the past six months.