Characteristics and experiences of buprenorphine-naloxone use among polysubstance users.

BACKGROUND

With a rise in overdoses and medical emergencies related to opioids, buprenorphine-naloxone (bup-nx) is seen as a preferred treatment for opioid dependence. However, the research examining experiences with bup-nx among polysubstance users who may or may not be opioid dependent has been limited.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to examine use, characteristics of users, and experiences of bup-nx use among polysubstance users entering drug-free recovery programs.

METHODS

This study examined secondary data on 896 opioid or opiate user individuals (53.4% male) collected by drug-free, self-help-based residential recovery centers during intake.

RESULTS

One-quarter of users said bup-nx helped them with their substance use while 75% of bup-nx users reported that bup-nx either had no effect or a negative effect on their drug problems. Of the very few (4%-7%) obtaining bup-nx solely through a prescription, over 90% reported relief from withdrawal. However, over 80% of those who obtained bup-nx through illicit means reported using bup-nx until their preferred drug could be obtained and used it for its euphoriant effect. Three groups of opioid users were created including one group with no bup-nx use, one with lifetime but not recent bup-nx use, and one with recent (past 6 month) use. There were differences in substance use patterns and characteristics of bup-nx experiences between the different groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the views of bup-nx by individuals in drug-free recovery centers are varied, with many seeing bup-nx as not unlike other opioids while others report bup-nx as self-medication.