A Longitudinal Observational Study to Assess the Impact of Opioid Agonist Treatment on Employment among Opioid Users at a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Employment may be an important factor in the recovery of patients with addictive disorders such as opioid use disorder. However, the influence of major treatment interventions such as opioid agonist treatment (OAT) on employment after treatment initiation has not been adequately studied. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the impact of OAT on employment in patients with opioid dependence at a tertiary care center in North India. Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted at a dedicated addiction treatment center in northern India. Patients diagnosed with opioid dependence ( n = 116) who were started on OAT with buprenorphine were enrolled into the study after giving consent and were followed up for 3 months. They were assessed for factors related to their employment, number of days worked, and financial contribution to the family. Results: Out of 116 patients recruited, 17 were lost to follow-up (99 could be reassessed at 3 months). At 3 months’ follow-up, there was a significant increase in the number of days of legal employment with a corresponding decrease in illegal work and unemployment, an increase in the number of days of employment, a reduction in the number of days of use of illicit opioids and cannabis, and an increased financial contribution to the family. Conclusion: Engaging in OAT with buprenorphine may have a positive impact on employment by enhancing legal employment and financial contribution to family in opioid-dependent patients, suggesting its larger role in overall recovery.