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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 112-116 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Access to care
- Buprenorphine
- Opioid addiction
- Syringe exchange
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Phychiatric Mental Health
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health