CAHSS Faculty Articles
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Buprenorphine Misuse: 2008-2013
ORCID ID
0000-0002-4716-3398, 0000-0003-4027-7840
ResearcherID
K-3072-2014, H-3010-2014
Publication Title
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
ISSN
0376-8716
Publication Date
9-1-2014
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the motivations underlying the use of buprenorphine outside of therapeutic channels and the factors that might account for the reported rapid increase in buprenorphine misuse in recent years.
METHODS: This study used: (1) a mixed methods approach consisting of a structured, self-administered survey (N=10,568) and reflexive, qualitative interviews (N=208) among patients entering substance abuse treatment programs for opioid dependence across the country, centered on opioid misuse patterns and related behaviors; and (2) interviews with 30 law enforcement agencies nationwide about primary diverted drugs in their jurisdictions.
RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the misuse of buprenorphine has increased substantially in the last 5 years, particularly amongst past month heroin users. Our quantitative and qualitative data suggest that the recent increases in buprenorphine misuse are due primarily to the fact that it serves a variety of functions for the opioid-abusing population: to get high, manage withdrawal sickness, as a substitute for more preferred drugs, to treat pain, manage psychiatric issues and as a self-directed effort to wean themselves off opioids.
CONCLUSION: The non-therapeutic use of buprenorphinehas risen dramatically in the past five years, particularly in those who also use heroin. However, it appears that buprenorphine is rarely preferred for its inherent euphorigenic properties, but rather serves as a substitute for other drugs, particularly heroin, or as a drug used, preferable to methadone, to self-medicate withdrawal sickness or wean off opioids.
DOI
10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.06.005
Volume
142
Issue
2014
First Page
98
Last Page
104
NSUWorks Citation
Cicero, T. J., Ellis, M., Surratt, H. L., & Kurtz, S. P. (2014). Factors Contributing to the Rise of Buprenorphine Misuse: 2008-2013. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 142 (2014), 98-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.06.005
