Läckagets konsekvenser : En kvalitativ intervjustudie om illegalt bruk av buprenorfin

Title: Consequences of diversion – a qualitative interview study regarding illicit buprenorphine use. In year 1999 buprenorphine was introduced in Sweden and is used in treatment for opioid dependence. An issue concerning substitution treatment programmes is the occurrence of diversion and the following illegal sails of buprenorphine on a black market. The aim of this study was to explore how people who have used illicitly obtained buprenorphine describes such abuse. The study was conducted using qualitative method, where a total of five individuals were interviewed about past experiences of having used illicitly acquired buprenorphine. The findings indicate that polydrug use and intake by injection or through the nose are common amongst illicit users of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was described as a possible substance of abuse. Moreover, it is discussed whether availability and attitudes concerning buprenorphine as a cleaner and/or safer substance than other drugs can contribute to increased abuse of opiates through buprenorphine amongst drug users who have not previously been in contact with opiates. The authors argue that further research is needed to explore the extent of diversion from domestic substitution treatment programs, and to widen the understanding of how buprenorphine function as a drug of abuse