The role of social network support on treatment outcomes for medication for opioid use disorder: a systematic review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDespite the possible influence of social network support on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, there has been no systematic evaluation of the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of social network support on MOUD.MethodsWe searched electronic research databases, specialist journals and grey literature till February 2020. We included experimental and observational studies regarding individuals receiving MOUD, and intersections with social network support.ResultsOf 4116 articles screened, we identified 41 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies reported treatment retention/adherence as an MOUD outcome. Three were experimental and 16 were observational. Seventeen studies indicated that social network support was related with improved MOUD treatment retention/adherence. Of the studies with statistically significant results, 12 involved family social network support, while five focused on combined family and peer social network support. Twenty-two studies reported reduced drug use/abstinence as an MOUD outcome. Ten were experimental and 12 were observational. Sixteen studies indicated that social network support was related to reduced drug use/abstinence. Of the studies with statistically significant results, 13 involved family social network support, while three focused on either peer network support or combined family and peer network support.ConclusionsAlthough evidence was limited, social network support was associated with MOUD treatment outcomes. Interventions around social network support could potentially augment MOUD treatment outcomes. Despite the variety of outcomes and social network support, we suggest the key role of social network support on broad MOUD outcomes.