Observations on the effects of buprenorphine and methadone on illicit drug use.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the agonistic effects of buprenorphine and methadone affect drug use.

METHOD: Quantitative examination of urine drug concentrations of patients treated with buprenorphine and methadone.

RESULTS

Patients on buprenorphine had less opioid and methamphetamine drug use than those on methadone.

CONCLUSION

Patients on buprenorphine therapy appear to use less illicit drugs.