Study Examines Addiction Treatment Barriers in New England

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding a $12 million study to discover what barriers may be impacting addiction treatment in New England. Three institutions – the University of California-San Diego, Brown University, and the University of Vermont are spearheading the study, with researchers from all three universities collaborating on the initiative.

A Look at New England’s Treatment Landscape

The ambitious and wide-ranging study will follow 1,200 individuals hailing from Vermont, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Researchers will track the progress of these participants for five years. Their goal is to recruit subjects for the study who are experiencing a substance use disorder and who inject, snort, or inhale drugs, such as heroin.

By following individuals for multiple years, researchers hope to track how they access support programs and what situations may be leading to drug use or preventing people from getting treatment. The study will examine:

How people use state HIV and hepatitis C prevention programs
How people use needle exchange programs
Impacts of overdose prevention centers
How rural settings affect substance use
How homelessness may impact access to services

Nearly 25% of deaths among individuals who are homeless are attributed to substance use, and roughly 16% of people who are homeless report having a substance use disorder. Vermont, in particular, has the second highest rate of homelessness among the 50 states.

Understanding Barriers Facing Vulnerable Populations

Based on these statistics, researchers are asking what role homelessness may be playing in program access, and what changes may need to be made to ensure this population receives the support they need.

The focus on Hepatitis C programs dovetails with the recent launch of the Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Plus program. Funded by SAMHSA to the tune of $98 million, the program is designed to prevent, treat, and cure hepatitis C.

This research initiative hopes to examine how well people are accessing these services and any barriers that may be in place to prevent that access.

The multi-year study is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026.

Finding Addiction Treatment in New England

If you or someone you love is experiencing drug or alcohol dependency, there is hope. You can find high quality treatment programs throughout New England and across the US. Rehab.com’s national directory allows you to compare programs by location, insurance options, services and amenities. You can also explore top rated rehabs based on verified reviews and Rehab Scores.

And if you’re looking for immediate support, call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) at anytime. Trained representatives can help you understand treatment options, verify insurance, and connect you with high quality care.