Using buprenorphine short-term taper to facilitate early treatment engagement

The U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration approved buprenorphine for drug abuse treatment in 2002, and it became available for clinical use in early 2003. Maryhaven, a community treatment program, participated in a National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network trial evaluating buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX; Suboxone) short-term taper for medically managed opioid withdrawal and later adopted this treatment. In a retrospective review, the first 64 patients treated with a BNX taper were compared with two groups of patients treated with clonidine before and after the implementation of the BNX program. Significantly more patients (about 80%) receiving BNX continued in further treatment compared to about 30% of those receiving clonidine. Patient outcomes are discussed in the context of the critical need for treatment continuation following detoxification. Common questions of potential adopters of the BNX taper are presented and addressed. Overall, BNX was readily integrated into the existing treatment service.