Despite decades of clinical evidence supporting medications for opioid use disorder (OUD), stigma continues to shape how these treatments are perceived and whether patients can actually access them.
Medications like buprenorphine (commonly prescribed as Suboxone®) are considered a gold standard of care, yet misconceptions persist among both the public and healthcare professionals. Some pharmacists and providers still view these medications as “substituting one addiction for another,” a belief that has been shown to limit availability and access to care.
This stigma shows up in real, measurable ways at the pharmacy counter: studies have found that about 1 in 4 patients report problems filling buprenorphine prescriptions, and nearly one-third have missed doses due to pharmacy-related barriers. Even more concerning, research indicates that only about 39% of U.S. pharmacies carried buprenorphine in 2023, meaning many patients with valid prescriptions simply cannot find a pharmacy that will fill them.
For patients, these barriers create a frustrating and often discouraging experience at a critical moment in their recovery journey. Individuals may visit multiple pharmacies, encounter delays due to lack of stock, or face hesitation and scrutiny when presenting a prescription. These disruptions are not just inconvenient; they can lead to gaps in treatment that increase the risk of relapse and overdose. At the same time, fewer than 20% of people with OUD receive effective medication treatment at all, underscoring how systemic barriers including stigma and inconsistent pharmacy access, continue to limit life-saving care.
This is where services like PursueCare can make a meaningful difference. PursueCare offers a fully integrated, telehealth-based model that connects patients with licensed clinicians, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment in one coordinated experience.
In addition to clinical and behavioral support, PursueCare also operates its own pharmacy helping to remove one of the most common and frustrating barriers patients face: getting their prescriptions filled reliably and without stigma.
PursueCare can help ensure medication availability, reduce delays, and minimize the risk of patients being turned away at retail pharmacies. This integrated approach not only streamlines the treatment experience but also provides a more private, supportive pathway to care allowing patients to stay focused on their recovery rather than navigating unnecessary obstacles.