The Feasibility of the OpiVenture Program for Clients Undergoing Opioid Agonist Therapy

The opioid crisis continues its devastating impact on Canada, with over 13,900 deaths recorded between 2016 and 2019. Dangerous prescription opioid usage persists, affecting 12.3% of Canadians in 2018. The crisis has escalated, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased mortality rates. While opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is a common treatment, it falls short in addressing concurrent polysubstance use, a prevalent issue in OAT clients. Recognizing the limitations of OAT alone, there is a growing recommendation to supplement it with psychosocial interventions.

The PreVenture program, known for its efficacy in reducing substance use, has been adapted for OAT clients, termed "OpiVenture." This study aims to comprehensively assess OpiVenture's feasibility and limited efficacy within an OAT setting. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study design integrates qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to thoroughly evaluate the program's feasibility and preliminary effectiveness. The focus extends beyond immediate outcomes, encompassing the preparation for future randomized controlled trials, including considerations for sample size calculation and recruitment effectiveness. This research addresses the urgent need for more comprehensive interventions to mitigate opioid use disorder (OUD) and associated morbidity, offering a potential solution to improve OAT retention and reduce mortality rates.