This article explores the patient preferences regarding choice of Buprenorphine over Methadone when both medications are accessible. The members of this research team collected both qualitative and quantitative data from participants at two outpatient substance use treatment programs in Baltimore, MD. The sample of participants used in this study were predominantly African American individuals who used heroin who were also starting buprenorphine treatment. Qualitative interviews with the participants were transcribed and coded for themes relating to selection of buprenorphine treatment over methadone.
The results of this study indicate that participants often perceived buprenorphine as a helpful medication, while methadone was perceived as a harmful narcotic with negative side effects. In analyzing the results of this study, the authors concluded that differences in service structure between methadone and buprenorphine did not strongly influence treatment-related decisions. Rather, personal experiences with medications and community narratives surrounding the medications strongly influenced the participants’ treatment selection decisions.