Effectiveness of pharmacotherapies in increasing treatment retention and reducing opioid overdose death in individuals recently released from prison: A systematic review

Background: Opioid dependence is common amongst the prison population, with increased risk of fatal overdose in the immediate post-release period. Aim: The study aimed to review the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies (Methadone (METH), Buprenorphine (BUP), levo-alpha acetyl methadol (LAAM), Naltrexone (NLT) and Naloxone (NLX)) in reducing overdose deaths and increasing treatment retention in opioid dependent prisoners on release. Methods: A systematic review of studies on recently discharged opioid dependent prisoners receiving METH, BUP, LAAM, NLT and/or NLX was conducted. Factors of interest regarded post-release treatment retention, non-fatal overdoses (NFODs), overdose mortality, and continued heroin and/or other illicit drug use. Searches were conducted using MESH terms; opioid related disorder, prisoner, NLT, NLX, METH, BUP, LAAM, overdose. Exclusion criteria were applied as per PRISMA guidelines. Quality, outcome and risk of bias assessments were applied across studies. Results: Eight randomised control trials (RCT), one non-randomised trial and five observational studies formed the data set. Agonist Opioid Treatment (AOT) (METH, BUP, LAAM) initiated pre-release was associated with significant post-release treatment retention on discharge into the community, and post-release reduction in heroin use. Prisoners on BUP or METH on discharge had significantly reduced mortality risks in the immediate four weeks post-release. There was insufficient evidence supporting a reduction in NFODs and continued other illicit drug use. Conclusions: The review underscores the need for prisoners on AOT to be supported with continued treatment on release into the community. Further research is warranted to investigate potential utility of long-acting NLT formulations and take-home NLX (THN) in pre-release opioid dependant prisoners. © 2017, Pacini Editore S.p.A. All rights reserved