Buprenorphine Treatment Engagement and Induction Problems Among Individuals Using Fentanyl

Problems initiating buprenorphine/naloxone treatment among individuals using illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) have been described in qualitative studies, case reports/series and anecdotal reports. There is limited regional data that objectively measures fentanyl use or the prevalence of problems initiating BUP treatment since 2013. It is unknown whether problems initiating BUP treatment are occurring in isolated geographic areas that are IMF “hotspots” or whether these problems are more pervasive given that IMF is believed to be widely available across the US. The overall goal of this pilot study is to determine whether there are regional variations in the prevalence of fentanyl use and problems initiating buprenorphine/naloxone treatment. The secondary purpose of this pilot study is to characterize the specific problems that clinicians are encountering when initiating BUP treatment in patients using fentanyl and to determine how standard clinical protocols are being modified to engage patients in treatment.