Quarterly insights from the RAND Drug Policy Research Center

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Most Buprenorphine Prescriptions Are Written by a Small Number of Providers

Half of all patient-months of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder during 2016 and 2017 were prescribed by just 4.9% of the physicians and other providers who prescribed the drug during the period. Read more »

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Australia Contained COVID-19 Early On. Can It Do the Same with Synthetic Opioids?

Although illegally manufactured fentanyl is currently not widespread in Australia, several factors make the country vulnerable to its encroachment. Taking cues from Australia's COVID-19 response, there are multiple ways authorities can further guard against a synthetic opioid overdose epidemic.

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Use of Tobacco Products Among Unaccompanied Youth Experiencing Homelessness

To understand patterns of use and interest in quitting different types of tobacco products among youth experiencing homelessness, a RAND team surveyed these youth in Los Angeles County to inform efforts to reduce their use of tobacco products.

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What Do We Know About the Substance Use Behaviors of U.S. Service Members?

RAND experts have analyzed data from the Department of Defense's flagship survey for understanding the health, health behaviors, and well-being of service members. The results provide valuable insights across various health-related topics and about personnel by service branch.

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The Evolving Consequences of OxyContin Reformulation on Drug Overdoses

Instead of just short-term substitution from prescription opioids to heroin, the transition to illicit markets spurred by Oxycontin reformulation led to growth in the overall overdose rate to unprecedented levels.