Buprenorphine misuse among heroin and amphetamine users in Malmo, Sweden: purpose of misuse and route of administration.

Buprenorphine misuse by injecting drug users was assessed in a survey of 350 needle exchangers, either amphetamine (57%) or heroin users (42%). 89% of heroin users and 24% of amphetamine users reported using buprenorphine at some time during the previous year. Most users reported illicit acquisition.

[Buprenorphine as a new alternative for detoxification of heroin addicts. It causes only mild withdrawal problems, abating quickly].

Buprenorphine might be an alternative drug to be used in opiate detoxification. Its main advantage is that it carries a low risk for respiratory depression, it gives less euphoria and limited withdrawal effects. In a pilot detoxification project ten heroin addicts were given buprenorphine; seven completed the course.