Comparative effectiveness of alternative times to opioid agonist treatment taper initiation on taper completion and all-cause mortality among people with opioid use disorder: A retrospective population-based target trial emulation study in British Columbia, Canada, 2010-2020.

Addiction (Abingdon, England)·June 2, 2026·PMID 42227316

Why it matters

Many patients on OAT wish to taper off, but guidelines lack clear timing recommendations. This study provides real-world evidence that earlier tapers increase mortality risk, helping clinicians counsel patients on the dangers of premature discontinuation.