Illicit buprenorphine use, interest in and access to buprenorphine treatment among syringe exchange participants

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2015 Jan;48(1):112-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.015. Epub 2014 Aug 7.

Abstract

Poor access to buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) may contribute to illicit buprenorphine use. This study investigated illicit buprenorphine use and barriers to BMT among syringe exchange participants. Computer-based interviews conducted at a New York City harm reduction agency determined: prior buprenorphine use; barriers to BMT; and interest in BMT. Of 102 opioid users, 57 had used illicit buprenorphine and 32 had used prescribed buprenorphine. When illicit buprenorphine users were compared to non-users: barriers to BMT ("did not know where to get treatment") were more common (64 vs. 36%, p<0.01); mean levels of interest in BMT were greater (3.37 ± 1.29 vs. 2.80 ± 1.34, p=0.03); and more participants reported themselves likely to initiate treatment (82 vs. 50%, p<0.01). Illicit buprenorphine users were interested in BMT but did not know where to go for treatment. Addressing barriers to BMT could reduce illicit buprenorphine use.

Keywords: Access to care; Buprenorphine; Opioid addiction; Syringe exchange.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Harm Reduction
  • Health Services Accessibility / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Needle-Exchange Programs / standards*
  • New York City
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / standards*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Buprenorphine