Self-treatment: Illicit buprenorphine use by opioid-dependent treatment seekers

Diversion of Methadone and Buprenorphine from Opioid Substitution Treatment: The Importance of Patients’ Attitudes and Norms

“…Both substances are seen as safer than heroin, although many of those we spoke to pointed out that methadone can also be fatal, if the user is inexperienced or careless. These opinions are confirmed by research on illicit use of methadone and buprenorphine which has shown that methadone and buprenorphine often are used by opiate-dependent individuals outside treatment (Davis & Johnson, 2007;Håkansson et al, 2007;Schuman-Olivier et al, 2010;Vlahov, O'Driscoll, Mehta, et al, 2007). Common motives for this are to alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings, or attempts at managing substitution treatment or performing selfdetoxification on their own (Davis & Johnson, 2007;Håkansson et al, 2007;Schuman-Olivier et al, 2010;Vlahov et al, 2007).…”

Diversion of methadone and buprenorphine by patients in opioid substitution treatment in Sweden: Prevalence estimates and risk factors

“…The substances are mainly used by people with a long-standing opioid addiction. Very often these users are not in treatment, and employ them to avoid withdrawal symptoms, or as a means of performing self-detoxification, or managing substitution treatment on their own (Gwin et al, 2009;Håkansson et al, 2007;Monte, Mandell, Wilford, Tennyson, & Boyer, 2009;Richert & Johnson, 2013;Roche et al, 2008;Schuman-Olivier et al, 2010;Spunt, Hunt, Lipton, & Goldsmith, 1986). However, among them are also OST patients dissatisfied with their prescribed doses (Schmidt et al, 2013;Spunt et al, 1986).…”

Diversion of Methadone and Buprenorphine from Opioid Substitution Treatment: A Staff Perspective

“…Very often these users are not in treatment, and employ them to avoid withdrawal symptoms, or as a means of performing self-detoxification, or managing substitution treatment on their own. 14,16,[20][21][22][23][24] However, among them are also OST patients dissatisfied with their prescribed doses. 24,25 In addition, the substances are used for euphoria-inducing purposes, typically as part of a polydrug use.…”