Inquiries about and initiation of buprenorphine treatment in an inner-city clinic

Abstract

Despite increases in opioid dependence, availability of buprenorphine treatment remains limited. Reasons may include health center concerns about becoming overwhelmed or attracting patients who differ from the local community. This study documents inquiries about and initiation of buprenorphine treatment in an inner-city health center. From 2006-2008, we collected demographic information and subsequent treatment data for everyone who inquired about treatment. Of the 324 people who inquired, 55.6% initiated treatment. The number of inquiries increased gradually over time, and most came from local community residents (80.4%). These results may allay health center concerns, and can help planning for buprenorphine treatment.