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

Abstract

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.