American Society of Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Lead: Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation in Patients Using Fentanyl
Lead: Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation in Patients Using Fentanyl
Lead: Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation in Patients Using Fentanyl
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Explore the challenges and adaptations in buprenorphine treatment for fentanyl users, with insights from clinicians and studies.
7 minutes
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American Society of Addiction Medicine
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Get the buttons here!Overcoming Barriers: Buprenorphine and Fentanyl
Episode Overview
- 72% of clinicians report difficulties with buprenorphine initiation due to withdrawal.
- 67% have adapted treatment protocols for patients using fentanyl.
- Higher buprenorphine doses may be more effective for heavy fentanyl users.
- Varenicline shows promise for e-cigarette cessation.
- U.S. drug policy often misaligns with scientific evidence.
"72% of participants reported difficulty with buprenorphine initiation due to withdrawal."
How do individuals find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode dives into the challenges faced by clinicians prescribing buprenorphine to patients using fentanyl. With a focus on a survey involving 396 clinicians across the U.S., the episode sheds light on the hurdles in initiating buprenorphine treatment, with 72% reporting difficulties due to withdrawal symptoms. It also explores how clinicians are adapting their practices, with 67% modifying their protocols to better address these challenges. The episode doesn't stop there.
It ventures into a clinical trial comparing different doses of extended-release buprenorphine, revealing that both 100 mg and 300 mg doses improve opioid abstinence, though the higher dose may be more effective for heavy fentanyl users. The discussion broadens to include a systematic review on pharmacological interventions for e-cigarette cessation, highlighting varenicline as a promising treatment.
Listeners are also treated to insights from a study on fentanyl test strip use among homeless populations in Rhode Island, illustrating the complex interplay between homelessness and drug use. Finally, the episode touches on the broader landscape of drug policy, questioning the alignment of U.S. policies with scientific evidence and advocating for health-focused interventions. If you're curious about how medical professionals are tackling these issues head-on, this episode offers a wealth of information and perspectives.
Are we doing enough to support those battling addiction, or is there more work to be done?