Alexander R. Bazazi|Michael A. Yokell|Jiaju Fu|Josiah D. Rich|Nickolas Zaller
Illicit Use of Buprenorphine/Naloxone Among Injecting and Noninjecting Opioid Users
examined use procurement motivations use diverted buprenorphinenaloxone among injecting noninjecting opioid users urban areaa survey selfadministered among 51 injecting opioid users 49 noninjecting opioid users providence ri participants recruited fixedsite syringe exchange program community outreach site august november 2009a majority 76 participants reported obtained buprenorphinenaloxone illicitly 41 done previous month injection drug users idus nonidus reported use diverted buprenorphinenaloxone 86 vs 65 p 001 majority participants used buprenorphinenaloxone reported treat opioid withdrawal symptoms 74 stop using opioids 66 could afford drug treatment 64 idus nonidus reported using diverted buprenorphinenaloxone reasons significantly nonidus idus reported ever using buprenorphinenaloxone get high 69 vs 32 p 001 majority respondents idus nonidus interested receiving treatment opioid dependence greater reported interest buprenorphinenaloxone methadone common reasons given currently enrolled buprenorphinenaloxone program included cost unavailability prescribing physiciansthe use diverted buprenorphinenaloxone common sample however many opioid users particularly idus using diverted buprenorphinenaloxone reasons consistent therapeutic purpose alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms reducing use opioids findings highlight need explore full impact buprenorphinenaloxone diversion improve accessibility buprenorphinenaloxone licensed treatment providers